Allergy basicsKnow the risks
What is a food allergy?
A quick primer for families, caregivers, and schools to recognize risks and prepare early.
Food allergy definition
Immune-mediated response
A food allergy is an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune-mediated response that occurs reproducibly on exposure to a given food.
Common symptoms
- Itching, hives, or swelling
- Tingling or itching in the mouth or throat
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
Common triggers
- Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts
- Wheat, gluten, and soy
- Fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish
- Cross-contact and hidden ingredients
Everyday response
- Read labels carefully and avoid high-risk foods
- Carry emergency medication or epinephrine
- Communicate allergies at school or restaurants
- Log reactions to support medical decisions
When to seek emergency care
If there is trouble breathing, throat swelling, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.
Further reading
A trusted resource that explains the difference.