Food Allergy Symptoms to Look Out For

Sometimes a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort ensues immediately after a meal. It is often thought to a result of a food allergy. In most cases however this sick feeling is a result of some food intolerance rather than a food allergy. The difference in food intolerance and an allergy is mostly noticed through the difference in timescale and severity of the symptoms.

To understand and diagnose the difference between the two it is important to know the symptoms of food allergy which affects the patient much more severely. Food intolerance symptoms may manifest themselves in a few hours time, or even a day after. In case of allergies, the onset is immediate and generally within an hour. Food allergy occurs when the immune system strikes a food protein incorrectly and leads to an overreaction by the body and production of certain chemicals.

A few of the leading symptoms which occur during food allergy are:

1. Skin rashes and itching
2. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
3. Stomach cramps
4. Skin swelling especially on tender regions like eyelids, lips and inside the mouth
5. Runny nose and blocked nasal tract
6. Inflammation of the throat, trachea and larynx
7. Headaches
8. Fatigue and dizziness
9. Joint pains
10. Hives

These are the most common food allergy symptoms that affect most adults, and it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as you experience any of these signs. In cases of food intolerance smaller degrees of similar symptoms might occur, but they usually disappear after a short while. In cases of food allergies these symptoms get even more pronounced and severe and may also lead to severe breathing problems or diarrhea. A regular food intolerance like lactose intolerance manifests itself even when a person has consumed any dairy products and results in bloating, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to identify the concerned allergen which is causing the food allergy so that it can be avoided in the future. These symptoms need to be identified immediately since delaying treatment might lead to malfunctioning of internal systems. A few things need to be kept in mind like checking food labels when buying food items or checking with the waiter at the restaurant about the ingredients used to prepare a dish. Some patients are so vulnerable that medical practitioners even advise them to carry self-injectible epinephrine, which helps during sudden allergic attacks.