A food allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to a food, treating it as harmful. Symptoms range from mild, like skin rashes and stomach pain, to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can affect breathing and is a medical emergency. Allergic reactions can change unpredictably from mild to severe, making it crucial to identify and manage them.

Food allergies are more common in children, who often outgrow allergies to milk, egg, soy, and wheat. In adults, food allergies typically persist. If symptoms suggest a food allergy, consult an allergist. They will choose the appropriate test, such as skin tests, blood tests, or supervised food challenges.