Food allergies are a growing problem. It is estimated that 3% of adults and 6% of children under the age of three have food allergies. Peanut allergy is the most common, but other foods causing allergic reactions include tree nuts, cow’s milk, eggs, fish and shellfish. Symptoms of a food allergy can include itching, hives, swelling, a stuffy nose, sneezing or itchy eyes as well as vomiting, diarrhea or stomach cramps. Some people with food allergies can have a serious reaction called anaphylaxis, which may include throat tightness, wheezing or trouble breathing. An allergy evaluation can determine which foods are responsible for the allergic reaction so those foods can be avoided.
