A food allergy is an allergic reaction to a particular food.
Food allergies are commonly triggered by certain nuts, peanuts,
shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soybeans. Symptoms vary
by age and may include rashes, wheezing, a runny nose, and,
occasionally in adults, more serious symptoms. Skin prick tests,
blood tests, and an elimination diet help doctors identify the
food triggering the allergy. The only effective treatment is to
eliminate the food from the diet. Many different foods can cause
allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to foods may be severe
and sometimes include an anaphylactic reaction. Food allergies
may start during infancy. They are most common among children
whose parents have food allergies, allergic rhinitis, or
allergic asthma. Infants and young children with food allergies
tend to be allergic to the most common allergic triggers
(allergens), such as those in eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and
soybeans. To prevent such allergies from developing, many
parents avoid exposing their youn