Recognizing Food Allergy Symptoms

Watching television, one might think that the only reaction or symptom to a food allergy is immediate onset anaphylactic shock. Television tends to over dramatize things and it is no surprise that food allergies are on the list of melodramatic moments of television. However, not all food allergy symptoms work like they seem to on television. Here is some information on food allergy symptoms to help you recognize and deal with your possible food allergy.
When Does The Reaction Occur?
The food allergy symptom is deeply related to the process of digestion. Because this is a deeply complicated process that works differently with different foods, digestion affects the location, timing, and symptoms of a food allergy. However, one way to know whether or not you are having a food allergy symptom does have to do with time. All allergic reactions to food will occur within one hour of ingesting the food.
While some foods can inflict immediate and extreme food allergy symptoms, many are not as noticeable. Some can begin with an itching in the mouth or a slight difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Later, as the food begins to be digested in the stomach and intestines, other symptoms may begin to appear. The individual may be nauseas, he or she may vomit or have diarrhea, and abdominal pains are common. All of these symptoms can be confused with food poisoning or simply eating your food too quickly. If you have had a food allergy test in the past, know you are allergic to something, and are having these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Lesser Known Food Allergy Symptoms
An itchy, swollen throat, stomach irritability, and abdominal pains are all relatively common food allergy symptoms. However, there are some other food allergy symptoms that are not as well known. For example, many people relate hives to outdoor allergens. However, once allergens are absorbed and enter into your bloodstream, they will eventually reach the skin. This creates hives or eczema on the surface of the skin. When the allergens reach your airway, it can induce asthma or asthma like symptoms. An allergen in the bloodstream can also cause lightheadedness, anaphylaxis (a sudden drop in blood pressure) and weakness in general. These symptoms may not easily be related to food allergies, so if you are prone to food allergies or know that you have one, make sure to contact your doctor immediately. Even food allergy symptoms that start off as mild can rapidly progress into a life threatening condition.