Signs you’re allergic to what you just ate – eat this, not that

It is estimated that 32 million Americans have food allergies, with the most common allergies being to shellfish, milk and peanuts. And while it’s true that most allergies appear in childhood, allergy-related symptoms are still noticed after the age of 18. A food allergy can manifest itself in a variety of ways as a result of immune responses that produce negative reactions after eating a food.

To determine if you are allergic to what you just ate, the first step is to understand the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. A food intolerance means that your body cannot tolerate a certain food. In situations such as lactose intolerance, a person is unable to tolerate the lactose sugar found in dairy products. Consumption can lead to severe discomfort, diarrhea and flatulence. But unlike an allergy, it’s not life-threatening.

Allergies, on the other hand, cause your body to react to a protein via an immune response. In contrast to an intolerance such as lactose intolerance, a true cow’s milk protein allergy can trigger more life-threatening reactions.

So if you’ve eaten a food and have a surprising (or scary) reaction, how do you know if you have a real allergy? To truly determine if you are allergic to a particular food, a doctor needs to run tests to give you a correct diagnosis. However, experiencing some results may be a sign that you should see your doctor for further evaluation.

If you want to know what signs to look out for that suggest you’re allergic to what you just ate, read on to learn five to keep on your radar.

For more allergy-related tips, see The Alarming Reason So Many People Have Food Allergies.

hives

If you develop itchy welts after eating a certain food, it may be an indication that you have a food allergy. They typically look like raised pink bumps that resemble insect bites, and seeing hives within minutes to a couple of hours after eating a food may mean you should call your doctor to get checked out.

Tight throat and difficulty swallowing

If your throat swells and you have trouble swallowing, you may be allergic to a food you ate. Exposure can cause inflammation of the esophagus, which can make swallowing difficult.

gasping

When a protein is marked “foreign” by the body and an allergic reaction is triggered, histamine is released. This compound can cause narrowing of the airways, which can cause a person to wheeze.

Vomit

Vomiting can be a sign of a food allergy, but it can also indicate a food intolerance or food poisoning. If you vomit, it can be difficult to determine if this symptom is due to an allergy or intolerance. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor to get to the bottom of the matter.

RELATED: The Ugly Side Effects of Seasonal Allergies, Expert Says

swollen tongue

Seeing your tongue swell can be more frightening than dangerous, although in some cases the swelling can affect your ability to swallow. Typically, tongues return to their normal size. But if you experience this reaction, it’s worth contacting your doctor to determine if there’s any major cause for concern.

anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to exposure to an allergen. A person experiencing this may have trouble swallowing or breathing, have a faster heartbeat, and in extreme cases, even lose consciousness. An EpiPen is used to treat this symptom and if a person experiences it, they should definitely speak to their doctor.

Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC