What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The symptoms of a food allergy develop as the protein in the food travels through the body. When the food is first eaten, the person may have itching in the mouth. After it's digested in the stomach, the individual may have vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal distress.

The food protein is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. The allergy may then cause a drop in blood pressure. When the proteins reach the skin, they can cause hives or rash. Once they reach the lungs, the person may have shortness of breath and wheezing.

Reactions can vary in strength and can range from very mild to fatal. The symptoms usually occur within a few minutes to an hour after the person has eaten the food. Some people are so sensitive to particular foods that they can have an allergic response simply by inhaling or touching the food. Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic, or bodywide, allergic reaction. A person will feel as if his or her throat is closing. An anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency. The emergency medical system should be contacted immediately.