Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction.

Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild (rash, itching, stomach discomfort) to severe and life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Diagnosis is typically made through medical history, allergy testing, or food challenges.

The only current treatment is strict avoidance of the allergen, and in some cases, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies. Food labeling laws and increased awareness help people manage food allergies more safely.