Food Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers & How to Get Tested

Ever felt bloated, fatigued, or developed a rash after eating, but couldn’t figure out what triggered it? Or maybe you experience headaches or digestive discomfort that seem to happen out of nowhere?

Food allergies are more common than you might think. Around 1 in 10 people worldwide experience illness after eating contaminated or allergenic foods every year. ¹ But many people are unaware that they have them. These allergies can cause mild symptoms like a rash, stomach cramps or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.² If left undiagnosed, they can impact your daily life, leading to ongoing digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies, and constant anxiety around eating.

But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll cover the signs and symptoms of food allergy and highlight common triggers. Also we’ll tell you how LifeCell’s comprehensive allergy testing can help you take control of your health — safely and confidently.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy happens when your immune system wrongly sees a harmless food as a danger (allergen).³ It releases chemicals like histamine, causing reactions such as rashes, swelling, or trouble breathing.⁴

Food allergies are different from food intolerance. The latter doesn’t involve the immune system and usually causes milder digestive issues.⁴

Anyone can develop a food allergy, but if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema, you’re more likely to get one.⁴

Common Symptoms of Food Allergies

As we mentioned above, allergies to certain foods can trigger a strong immune response leading to:⁴

• Skin reactions: Rashes, hives, or itching 
• Digestive issues: Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• Breathing problems: Wheezing, breathing issues, or swollen throat 
• Severe reactions: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction. It may cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, or unconsciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

8 Most Common Food Allergy Triggers

8 of these primary foods are responsible for about 90% of all food allergy reactions. These are often called the “Big Eight”, and here’s what you need to know about each one:⁵

1. Milk

One of the most common childhood allergies, especially in babies and toddlers. It’s usually a reaction to the proteins found in cow’s milk — casein and whey. While many kids outgrow it, some carry it into adulthood. It’s different from lactose intolerance, which is about digestion.⁶

2. Eggs

Eggs are a power booster for many, but not for everyone. Small children are more prone to egg allergies specifically with the whiter part. That’s where most allergy-triggering proteins ovalbumin and ovomucoid live — the usual troublemakers. Eggs are generally found in cakes, mayonnaise and salad dressings. So, if you’re allergic, always check food labels before eating them.⁷

3. Peanuts

Peanuts are not nuts as the name suggests. They’re actually legumes like beans and lentils. Peanuts consist of activated proteins - albumins and globulins, as known allergens. Even if you roast it for making chutneys or any food items, the proteins in it remain in the activated form, triggering an immune response. ⁸

4. Shellfish

Prawns, crabs, and squid are shellfish that often contain protein-tropomyosin. This protein is the main reason for shellfish allergies in adults. Even a small bite of the food could result in allergy symptoms. ⁹

5. Soy

Soy allergies are more common in small children. Tofu, soy milk, and even packaged snacks can trigger an immune response to proteins in soybeans. Sometimes, it can even affect breathing. So if you or anyone you know is allergic, beware of packaged foods. Soy often hides in food labels under the name of "lecithin" or "vegetable protein."  ^{10 11}

6. Wheat

Wheat allergy is not the same as gluten intolerance — though many often mistake the two. It’s an immune response to proteins like albumin or gliadin found in everyday foods such as bread, pasta, or cereals. The trigger can cause severe allergic symptoms. That’s why reading food labels carefully is necessary, especially for people with known wheat allergies.^{12 13 14}

7. Tree Nut

Are you aware of tree nuts? Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios are all tree nuts. They are consumed due to their high nutritional value. However, some people are allergic to them due to the protein content in them, which acts as a known allergen. If you don’t believe, here are the statistics: up to 4.9% of the global population experiences tree nut allergy.¹⁵ As it is found in traces in chocolates, sauces, and bakery products, you must keep an eye on the food labels.

8. Sesame

This well-known seed is often used in burger buns, snacks or as oil for cooking food.  But for many, even a sprinkle in the food can be risky. That is again due to vicilin-like protein and albumin which can set off the immune system in people. As sesame is heat-stable, cooking doesn’t help reduce the allergic effect. Best way to stay safe? Read the label. Always.^{16 17 18}

How to Identify Food Allergy Symptoms

To determine suspected allergens, a rapid inspection can help. These include-

Symptoms Tracking-

You must always maintain a food diary of what you eat and when you have symptoms. This will help you to record patterns and determine food triggers. Also sharing this record with a doctor will help in the appropriate diagnosis of the symptoms.

Diet Elimination

When you think a specific food is an allergen, remove it. Then, reintroduce them one by one gradually. If the symptoms come back, then that food might be the issue. But keep in mind that:^{19 20}

• The procedure is not 100% reliable unless combined with other allergy tests.
• Some allergies don’t show up until hours later
• It can miss hidden ingredients.

So it’s best done under expert guidance.

Why Avoid Self-Diagnosis?

Even though we mentioned that tracking symptoms will enable you to identify the cause, do not self-diagnose too frequently. Instead, go to a doctor for the right advice. That is because some conditions have the same symptoms as food allergies, and you will not be able to identify the cause.⁴ 

What Tests Are Required To Diagnose Food Allergy

If you don't know what you're allergic to, the best you can do is get tested. Testing confirms the sure signs are due to a food allergy or other condition. This also helps create an individualised plan for coping with your allergies. The types of food allergy tests are:

IgE Blood Test

This test measures the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood, which your body produces in response to allergens. Elevated IgE levels can indicate an allergy to specific foods.²¹

Skin Prick Test (SPT)

This test involves pricking a minute amount of suspected allergen into your skin, usually on the forearm or back. If you're allergic, you’ll develop a small raised bump at the test site, indicating an allergic reaction.²²

Testing With Our Comprehensive Allergy Panel 

For a more detailed analysis, choose LifeCell Allergy Comprehensive Panel that screens for 29 possible allergens like peanuts, wheat, soy, and many others. This simple blood test will help you identify the food allergens that may be affecting your health and manage your diet accordingly.

• All you need to do is schedule the test online.
• A LifeCell paramedic will then visit your home to collect the sample.
• Upon completion, you will have a comprehensive digital report within 48 hours on your screen.

^{Simple Safety Tips For People With Food Allergies}

• Always read food labels. Even your favourite foods may have unexpected ingredients that may trigger an allergy.
• If you are dining out, inform the restaurant staff of your food allergy so that they can exercise special caution when preparing your food.
• While travelling, carry homemade food to prevent unnecessary exposure to potential allergy-inducing substances.
• If your child has a diagnosed food allergy, be sure to inform their school staff. They can then steer clear of serving the wrong foods and prepare for an emergency.
• And most importantly, keep in mind that food allergy can vary with time. Hence, testing yourself for food allergy occasionally is a good idea.

Conclusion

Food allergies can be challenging to manage, but with the proper testing and awareness, you can navigate allergens safely and lead a healthy life. Moreover, LifeCell's Allergy Comprehensive Panel makes it easier than ever to discover your triggers and take the steps towards managing food allergies. So book your test today and take control of your health!

FAQs

How Is A Food Allergy Different From A Food Intolerance?

A food allergy triggers the immune system, causing symptoms like hives, rashes, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. A food intolerance, on the other hand, targets the digestive system. It may cause bloating or a stomachache but is not typically dangerous.^{3 4}

Can Adults Suddenly Develop Food Allergies?

Yes, adults may get food allergies later in life, but it is less probable. Reactions in childhood might have sometimes been missed or misdiagnosed as food poisoning or indigestion.²³

What Not To Do Before An Allergy Test?

It would be advisable to ask your doctor what not to do and when before an Allergy Test. It is believed that it is possible to affect the result if you take anti-allergy medication at the time of the test.²⁴

Are Food Allergy Blood Tests Reliable?

Food allergy blood tests are accurate if performed correctly and done by an experienced allergist. This test can be most helpful if complemented by other skin prick, diet elimination for an accurate diagnosis.²⁵