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Common Signs Of Food Allergies

There are so many delicious foods in the world, but for some people, certain foods can cause serious reactions. Having a food allergy can be disappointing, but after you're correctly diagnosed with a food allergy, your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options and teach you what to do if you are accidentally exposed to the food that you are allergic to. People try new foods all the time without knowing whether or not they may be allergic. Some common signs that you may have a food allergy and should seek further testing and treatment include the following.

Hives

Hives is one of the most common symptoms of a food allergy, and they can show up shortly after eating a food that you are allergic to. They tend to be red in color, raised, and itchy. People can develop hives in different areas of the skin on their body after consuming a food that they are allergic to.

However, hives can be caused by a number of different issues; if you begin getting hives for an unexplained reason, consider keeping a food diary to see if you can discover what may be causing the reaction. You may also want to talk to your doctor to schedule allergy testing.

Itchy Mouth

Many people experience an itchy, uncomfortable mouth after consuming a food that they are allergic to. If you eat something new and your mouth begins to have an itchy sensation, it is likely due to the fact that you're having a mild allergic reaction. An itchy mouth is not serious, but most people do not enjoy the feeling. When food makes your mouth feel itchy, it is in your best interest to avoid eating that type of food.

Swelling of the Tongue, Lips, or Throat

For some people, a food allergy can cause a very serious reaction. Exposure to the food that you're allergic to may cause your tongue, lips, or throat to begin to swell. All of these symptoms can be very alarming to experience, especially throat swelling. If you experience swelling of your tongue, lips, or throat after eating a specific food, it is important to see your doctor.

Difficulty Breathing

If you have a very severe food allergy, you may have a very difficult time breathing if you consume or are exposed to a specific allergen. This is a serious medical matter that requires immediate attention. In many cases, a food allergy reaction that involves a swelling throat and trouble breathing needs to be treated with epinephrine. 

To learn more, visit a site like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com.


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