What are the top food allergies?

Here are the most common food allergies:

1. Milk (dairy products)
2. Eggs
3. Peanuts
4. Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Fish
8. Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)

These “Big 8” allergens account for about 90% of all food allergic reactions. A few other relatively common food allergies include:

• Sesame (recently added as the 9th major allergen in the US)
• Corn
• Seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin)
• Certain fruits and vegetables (often related to oral allergy syndrome)

The severity of allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives or itching to severe, life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis)

Symptoms of Allergens:

Here are the common symptoms of food allergies, which typically appear within minutes to 2 hours after eating the allergen:

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

• Hives (itchy, red welts)
• Itching or tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
• Skin rash or eczema flare-ups
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Dry cough

Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis):

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Tightening of throat
• Chest pain
• Drop in blood pressure
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Loss of consciousness

Important notes:

1. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency medical care
2. Some people may experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many
3. Reactions can vary in severity each time
4. Symptoms can differ between children and adults
5. Food allergies are different from food intolerance, which typically cause less severe reactions focused on digestive issues

Know what to look for, You just might save a life!