Food allergies

Return to Index Step 1: What is an Allergy? Step 2: The Role of the Immune System Step 3: What Substances Cause Allergies? Step 4: Allergy-Related Conditions Step 5: Should You See an Allergist? Step 6: Allergy Testing and Diagnosis Step 7: Introduction to Allergy Treatment Step 8: Avoid Allergy Triggers Step 9: Types of Allergy Medication Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Drugs Step 11: Immunotherapy Step 12: You and Your Doctor Are a Team Key Points Glossary

*Close Menu*

Food allergies

Food allergy affects up to 6 - 8% of children under the age of 3 and 2% of adults. People often have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate and wonder if they have a food allergy. One out of three people either believe they have a food allergy or modify their or their family's diet. Thus, while food allergy is commonly suspected, health care providers diagnose it less frequently than most people believe.

This difference between the clinically proven prevalence of food allergy and the public perception of the problem is due, in part, to reactions called "food intolerances," rather than food allergies. (Food intolerance is more common than food allergy.) A food allergy, or hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food. The response is triggered by the immune system. However, the immune system does not cause symptoms of food intolerance, even though they may resemble those of a food allergy.

If you suspect a food allergy, call your doctor for an appointment. If you or your child have true food allergies, it is extremely important for you to identify them and prevent allergic reactions. Food allergy reactions can, in some cases, be fatal. Treatment is basically avoiding the food(s) after it is identified.

For more information on food allergies, visit the Food Allergy Network at www.foodallergy.org .

Read more about food allergies:

Created by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Modified and updated by A.D.A.M., Inc. Illustration copyright A.D.A.M., Inc.

Review Date: 4/4/2007
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.