Food allergy

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious.

Symptoms of a food allergy can affect different areas of the body at the same time. Some common symptoms include:

• an itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat or ears
• a raised itchy red rash (urticaria, or “hives”)
• swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth (angioedema)
• vomiting