Food Allergy
A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a food protein — ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Accurate diagnosis is essential for safe daily living, and our doctors provide the assessment and guidance you need to manage your allergy confidently.
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On this page
This page provides general health information only. If you suspect anaphylaxis, call 112 and use an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately if available.
Food allergy vs food intolerance
A true food allergy involves an immune system response to a specific food protein and can cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Reactions typically occur rapidly — within minutes to two hours of eating the trigger food.
A food intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening — it causes digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramping, or diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity are examples. The distinction is important, as the management and safety implications are very different.
Symptoms of food allergy
- Hives, itching, or skin flushing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face (angioedema)
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping
- Runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes
- Anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction involving throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Call 112 immediately and use an adrenaline auto-injector if available. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
Common allergens
- Peanuts and tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs
- Fish and shellfish
- Wheat and gluten-containing grains
- Soy
- Sesame
When to see a doctor
Seek medical assessment if you have experienced a reaction after eating that you cannot explain, if you have been told you may have a food allergy, or if you are managing a known allergy without a current action plan. Everyone with a confirmed food allergy that carries anaphylaxis risk should have an adrenaline auto-injector prescribed and know how to use it.
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Management
- Strict avoidance of the identified allergen — with careful label reading and vigilance when eating out
- Adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) prescription and training — for all patients at risk of anaphylaxis
- Written allergy action plan — so you and those around you know exactly what to do in an emergency
- Antihistamines — for mild to moderate reactions
- Referral for formal allergy testing — skin prick tests or specific IgE blood tests to confirm the allergen
- Allergen immunotherapy — available for some food allergies to reduce sensitivity over time
How eMedClinic can help
Our allergologists provide online assessments for suspected food allergy, arrange appropriate testing, prescribe adrenaline auto-injectors, and create personalised allergy management plans. We also help expats who have moved abroad and need to re-establish allergy care and prescriptions in a new healthcare system.
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