Food Allergy
Food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts unusually after eating a certain food. It can be present at any age, from infancy to adulthood. Some common reactions include hives, itching or swelling in the mouth, tightening of throat and trouble breathing, stomach pain and vomiting.
These are known as “the big eight allergens” that account for about 90% of all food allergies.
- Egg
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
In some cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis which seeks immediate medical attention.
Although allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are often life-long, children commonly “outgrow” allergies to milk, eggs, wheat and soy, and there are now many evolving strategies to help with this process.
Other kinds of reactions to food that are not allergies include food intolerances (such as lactose or milk intolerance), and toxic reactions. Although symptoms may resemble those of food allergy, the triggers, symptom severity, and health implications differ substantially.
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What is a food allergy and how is it different from a food intolerance?
A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to a food, and this reaction can occur at any age. Common triggers include eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts and wheat.
A food intolerance (or sensitivity) is different: it does not involve the immune system in the same way, and often the symptoms and severity differ.
What symptoms indicate I might have a food allergy?
Some signs include hives, itching or swelling in the mouth, throat tightening, breathing difficulty, stomach pain and vomiting.
In severe cases, a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis—an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention.
What kinds of tests are available to diagnose food allergies at Snö Wellness?
The clinic offers a range of tests including skin-prick tests, blood allergy tests, oral food challenges (OFC) and elimination diets.
These help distinguish true food allergies from other reactions and guide treatment and avoidance strategies.
If I test positive for a food allergy, what next steps should I expect?
If a food allergy is confirmed, the usual steps include avoidance of the allergen, developing an emergency plan (especially if anaphylaxis risk exists) and possibly discussing immunotherapy or biological therapies if applicable.
The clinic’s team will also provide education and support on how to manage the allergy in daily life, including in children or adults who may “outgrow” certain allergies (like milk or eggs) under medical supervision.