Food allergies occur when the body reacts to a certain food with an unnecessary and potentially life-threatening immune response, usually within one hour of eating the offending food.

If you have experienced any symptoms listed below after eating or drinking a particular food or drink and have not been evaluated or treated previously for it, make an appointment with a UHS healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Call 911 immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling of your tongue and/or throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe lightheadness/weakness or fainting

• Itching or tingling sensation in your mouth

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Hives

• Vomiting/ diarrhea

• Abdominal cramping

• Itchy, watery eyes

The most common adult food allergies are:

• Peanuts and tree nuts

• Fish and shellfish

• Eggs

• Milk

• Soy

• Wheat

If you are allergic to a specific food, you must eliminate it completely from your diet. Continuing to eat foods to which you are allergic can result in more serious and potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylactic shock.

Note: Food intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is not the same as a food allergy. You should still avoid the problem foods, but reactions are not as serious as those caused by food allergies. Symptoms of food intolerance include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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