People can develop allergies to many things. In some people, the allergy seems to be present from the start of life. For other people, it can develop and worsen over time. If you have a food allergy, it is very important for you to take steps to reduce the amount of contact you have with that allergen. Doing this can help minimize your symptoms and, depending on the type of reaction, reduce the risk that you will have a life threatening episode or exposure. The first step, though, is recognizing that an allergy may be happening.

Know the Symptoms of a Food Allergy

The first step, then, is to know what to look for in the symptoms of a food allergy. These can differ from one person to the next, though, some it is important for you to consider all extremes of these symptoms. For some people, the reaction to exposure to an allergen, which is a type of food that causes a reaction of the immune system, can take only moments. For others, it can take a few days. The most common symptoms of a food allergy include the following:

• A tingling sensation in the mouth
• Itching inside the mouth or around the lips
• Wheezing or any type of difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, the tongue, and/or the throat
• Swelling of any other part of the body
• Hives
• Itching skin
• Eczema
• Adnominal pain and discomfortA tingling sensation in the mouth
  Itching inside the mouth or around the lips
  Wheezing or any type of difficulty breathing
  Swelling of the lips, the tongue, and/or the throat
  Swelling of any other part of the body
  Hives
  Itching skin
  Eczema
  Adnominal pain and discomfort
  Nausea or vomiting
  Nasal congestion
  Diarrhea
  Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

In addition to these symptoms, some people can have a very severe reaction. This is called anaphylaxis and it is a life threatening response to exposure to the allergy. Though these are less common, they are still present and can lead to very worrisome outcomes. Generally, the condition will cause a tightening in the airways which makes breathing difficult. The heart races and pulse picks up. A person’s throat will constrict and this often leads to a feeling of a lump in the thought. A person can quickly become unconscious as a result.

If you are worried about the symptoms you are having, seek out medical help. If you are having an immediate response that is life threatening, contact 911 right away. In addition, call our offices in New York City to schedule a consultation with an allergist to learn more about the options available to you to prevent and treat your condition.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.