People with food allergies react to certain food proteins that most people tolerate. The exact causes are unknown, but allergies often run in families.There is a 1 in 20 chance for children and 1 in 25 chance for adults that they will be allergic to some kind of food. Eight foods cause about 90% of food allergies. They are:

Most children outgrow food allergies. Key points for parents:

• Egg: 50% outgrow by age 10; 80% by 16.

• Milk: 80% outgrow by age 5.

• Peanut: Fewer than 10% outgrow it.

• Wheat: 50% outgrow by age 8; 65% by 12.

• Soy: 45% outgrow by age 6; 69% by 10.

Symptoms

Allergic reactions usually start within minutes to up to 4 hours after eating the food.

Mild to moderate: hives, itchy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, swelling (angioedema).

Severe: hoarseness, throat tightness or a lump in the throat, wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing, tingling in hands, feet, lips, or scalp.

Diagnosis

If you suspect a food allergy, schedule a visit. We’ll take your history and exam and, if needed, do skin testing (most accurate). Blood tests can give false positives and are not recommended for screening

The only treatment for a confirmed food allergy is avoiding the allergen. Read food labels carefully. If you’ve had a severe reaction, always carry an EpiPen.