How to Know if You Have a Food Allergy

Did you know food allergies can hide behind everyday symptoms? Learn how to spot the signs and take action.

Food allergies aren’t always obvious. Sometimes they show up right after you eat, and sometimes the signs are so sneaky that you might not connect the dots for years.

Whether it’s a stomach cramp after a glass of milk or just a vague feeling that something isn’t sitting right, Raj Bhayani, MD, and our team at the New York Institute of Otolaryngology and Aesthetic Surgery strongly believe that knowing the signs of a food allergy can help you protect your health and feel better overall.

The telltale symptoms of a food allergy

Food allergies can affect more than just your stomach. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and they often involve more than one system in your body. Here are some of the most common:

Skin reactions: hives, redness, itching, swelling
Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Respiratory problems: wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion
Oral symptoms: tingling, itching, or swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

In severe cases, food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical care. Signs include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Food allergy vs. food intolerance

Not every unpleasant reaction to food means you have an allergy. Many people confuse food intolerance with allergies, but they’re different:

Food allergy

This involves your immune system. Your body sees the food as a threat and overreacts. Even tiny amounts can cause a reaction.

Food intolerance

This reaction involves your digestion. You may lack the enzymes to process a food (like lactose in milk), and the symptoms are uncomfortable but not life-threatening.

Common foods that trigger allergies

While any food can spark a reaction, some are responsible for most food allergies. The “big nine” includes:

Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (like almonds, cashews, walnuts)
Soy
Wheat
Fish
Shellfish
Sesame

If you notice repeated issues after eating those, it’s worth paying closer attention.

What to do if you suspect a food allergy

If you think you might have a food allergy, don’t panic. You can do a lot to manage your symptoms and plan for any triggers. Consider the following:

Keep a food diary

Track what you eat and how you feel afterward.

Talk to our team

Dr. Bhayani and our team can review your symptoms, run allergy tests, and build a treatment plan just for you.

Get tested

Skin prick tests, blood tests, or supervised food challenges can confirm a diagnosis.

Avoid your triggers

Once identified, eliminating or strictly limiting the food is key.

Have an action plan

If you’re at risk of severe reactions, Dr. Bhayani may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.

Take charge of your food allergies

In the end, food allergies can show up in surprising ways, but the sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can take control. If you’ve noticed consistent reactions, don’t ignore them.