What it is
The main treatment is avoiding the food. People at risk of severe reactions are given adrenaline auto-injectors.
A food allergy is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system.
Common signs
- Itchy mouth, throat or ears
- Raised itchy rash (hives)
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Vomiting or tummy pain
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about reactions
- Skin prick tests
- Blood tests for specific IgE
- Food challenge under supervision
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Allergy test results
- An allergy action plan
- Notes about past reactions
- Adrenaline auto-injector prescriptions and expiry dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which foods do I need to avoid?
- Do I need an adrenaline auto-injector?
- Could I grow out of this allergy?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or collapse: use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one and call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.