Food

Food allergy reactions almost always occur from eating the food or from touching the mouth with contaminated hands, utensils, toys or other objects. Reactions can vary in severity.

Mild to Moderate Reaction:

• swelling of the face, lips and eyes

• rapid appearance of hives, itchy raised rash or welts on the skin

• abdominal pain and vomiting.

Anaphylaxis may include one or more of the following:

• difficulty breathing; noisy breathing

• difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

• swelling/tightness of the throat

• wheezing or persistent cough

• paleness and floppiness (in young children)

• collapse and/or unconsciousness.

*Peanuts, tree nuts, milk eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, latex, and insect stings are the most common allergens responsible for triggering severe reactions in young children. Reactions can be sudden or may evolve over 1-2 hours. Onset within minutes of eating the food and rapid progression of symptoms over 10-20 minutes is a common feature of severe reactions.