Food Allergies

Food allergies are immune system reactions to certain foods. Learn how to identify symptoms, prevent reactions, and manage your condition with the right treatment.
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3 min
07-July-2025

Food brings people together—but for many, it can also bring discomfort, danger, or even a trip to the emergency room. If you've ever had a sudden allergic reaction to food, experienced hives, swelling, or unexplained digestive trouble, you may be dealing with a food allergy or food sensitivity.

Recognizing, testing, and managing food allergies can be life-saving—not just lifestyle-saving. With rising cases in both children and adults, timely diagnosis and prevention are critical.

Did you know? Some health insurance plans now cover diagnostic allergy testing, food sensitivity tests, and even emergency allergy treatment. Get Rs. 10 lakh coverage starting at just Rs. 9.3/day—includes cashless hospitalization and day-care procedures.

What are food allergies and how do they occur

Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful and reacts defensively. This can lead to symptoms like hives, swelling, stomach discomfort, or trouble breathing.

In severe cases, food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction that may cause airway swelling or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Seek immediate emergency care or call 911 if you experience swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or sudden dizziness or fainting.

Why they occur:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Gut health and environmental triggers
  • Repeated exposure in early childhood
  • Cross-reactivity with pollens or latex

What Are The Types Of Food Allergies

When people talk about “food allergies,” they’re usually referring to allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and other common triggers that can cause immediate and often serious reactions. These are often called “true allergies” or IgE-mediated allergies, named after the IgE antibodies that drive the immune response. One example is oral allergy syndrome, a type of IgE-mediated reaction that typically causes itching or swelling on the lips or inside the mouth and rarely leads to anaphylaxis.

There are also non-IgE-mediated food reactions, which involve different immune pathways and tend to cause delayed symptoms. These include:

  • Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Eosinophilic gastritis
  • Food protein-induced proctitis

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Nutrition

What are the most common food allergies?

Food allergies often show up within minutes to hours after eating the trigger. Common symptoms include:

  • Itchy skin or hives
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
  • Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • In severe cases: Anaphylaxis – a medical emergency

Any of the above symptoms post-meal could signal a deeper food-related issue. Don’t ignore it—opt for a food sensitivity test or consult an allergist through a covered health plan.
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What are the causes of food allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful. This triggers an immune response, releasing chemicals like histamine. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and tree nuts. Genetics and early exposure also influence allergy development.

What are the complications of food allergies?

Food allergies can lead to serious complications such as anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Other complications include chronic conditions like eczema or asthma flare-ups. Repeated allergic reactions may also impact quality of life, causing anxiety around meals and social situations.

Most common food allergies: what to watch out for

Here are the top culprits behind most allergic reactions:

  • Peanuts – Common in kids; reactions can be life-threatening
  • Milk – Especially in infants; different from lactose intolerance
  • Wheat – Includes gluten-related allergies
  • Fish & Shellfish – Can develop in adulthood
  • Eggs – Often outgrown in childhood
  • Tree Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.
  • Soy – Found in many packaged foods
  • Fruits like strawberries or bananas – Due to pollen cross-reactions

Always check ingredient lists—many allergens hide in sauces, dressings, or processed snacks.

If someone in your family is allergic, protect them with health insurance that covers emergency allergy care, hospitalization, and pediatric consults. Compare family floater plans now.

How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed and Tested

Detecting a true food allergy requires a mix of medical history and diagnostic tools. Here's how doctors typically approach it:

Test for diagnosed food allergies

  • Skin Prick Test (SPT) – Detects immediate reactions to suspected allergens
  • Blood Test (IgE Testing) – Measures allergy-related antibodies
  • Oral Food Challenge – Carefully supervised exposure to trigger food
  • Elimination Diets – Removing & reintroducing foods to track symptoms
  • Food Sensitivity Test – Identifies delayed immune reactions to foods

Self-diagnosis can be risky. Get tested under expert supervision, especially if you’ve had severe symptoms.

What is the treatment for food allergies?

Treatment focuses on symptom management and reducing sensitivity to allergens through advanced therapies and medications. Common approaches include:

  • Omalizumab injections
  • Oral immunotherapy (OIT)
  • Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
  • Emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors

Diagnosed food allergies

Doctors use a combination of methods to accurately diagnose food allergies:

  • Detailed Medical History – Discuss symptoms, reaction timelines, and suspected foods.
  • Skin Prick Test – Tiny amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to check for immediate reactions.
  • Blood Test (IgE test) – Measures allergy-related antibodies in the blood.
  • Oral Food Challenge – A supervised test where the patient consumes suspected allergens in increasing amounts.
  • Elimination Diet – Removing and reintroducing foods to identify triggers.

Tips for Managing and Preventing Food Allergic Reactions

Managing food allergies is a daily commitment—but with the right precautions, it becomes second nature. Here’s how to stay safe:

Do this:

  • Read food labels thoroughly
  • Carry prescribed antihistamines or EpiPens at all times
  • Educate kids, schools, and caretakers
  • Eat freshly prepared meals to avoid hidden allergens
  • Create an emergency action plan with your doctor
  • Wear medical ID bracelets if your allergy is severe

Avoid this:

  • Ignoring mild symptoms
  • Taking allergy meds without a doctor’s prescription
  • Eating at buffets without clarity on ingredients
  • Assuming an allergy has gone away without testing

Conclusion

Food allergies can be life-altering—but they don’t have to be life-limiting. With early diagnosis, smart prevention, and the right insurance support, you can eat, live, and travel with more confidence.

Whether you're dealing with childhood allergies, adult-onset triggers, or just need a food sensitivity test, always take allergic reactions seriously.

Your safety net matters. Choose a health insurance plan that covers diagnosis, emergency care, and more. Because one bite shouldn’t lead to a financial or health crisis.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if I have a food allergy or intolerance?

Food allergies trigger immediate immune responses—like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing—while intolerances cause delayed digestive issues. A food sensitivity test or allergist consultation can help identify the root cause accurately.

Are food allergies hereditary?

Yes, food allergies can be hereditary. If parents or siblings have allergies, your risk increases. However, the specific food allergen may differ across family members, making early testing and monitoring crucial.

What is the best way to treat a severe allergic reaction to food?

Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately and seek emergency medical help. Avoid self-medicating or waiting it out—severe reactions can escalate quickly and require urgent hospitalization and airway support.

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response in which the body mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful. Even small amounts of the allergen can trigger symptoms ranging from hives and stomach pain to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Can food allergies go away?

Yes, some food allergies—especially in children—may resolve over time (e.g., milk, egg, soy). However, allergies like peanut, tree nuts, and shellfish tend to be lifelong. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.

What can i expect if i have a food allergy?

You’ll need to:

  • Strictly avoid trigger foods
  • Read food labels carefully
  • Carry emergency medication
  • Inform friends, schools, or restaurants about your allergy
    While it requires vigilance, proper management can help you live safely and confidently.

What are the 14 allergens in food (as per global labeling standards)?

These are commonly required to be declared on food labels:

  1. Cereals containing gluten
  2. Crustaceans
  3. Eggs
  4. Fish
  5. Peanuts
  6. Soybeans
  7. Milk
  8. Nuts (tree nuts)
  9. Celery
  10. Mustard
  11. Sesame seeds
  12. Sulphur dioxide/sulphites
  13. Lupin
  14. Molluscs

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