Allergy / Understanding the 10 Most Common Food Allergies

Understanding the 10 Most Common Food Allergies

At a Glance:

Discover the alarming rise of food allergies, affecting approximately 33 million people in the US alone.
Understand telltale symptoms of a food allergy.
Learn the 10 most common food allergies.

What Are Food Allergies?

A food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting 33 million Americans and one in 13 children. Food allergies are a reaction triggered by the immune system, whose job is to identify and destroy germs. The immune system treats a particular food protein as it would a foreign invader and overreacts, causing unpredictable symptoms that are mild to severe and even life-threatening. Be advised, food intolerances or food sensitivities are not the same thing as a food allergy, and it’s important to recognize food allergy symptoms early on to prevent serious reactions.

Understanding Food Allergy Symptoms

Signs of food allergies exhibit an array of symptoms with different levels of severity, including:

Tingling or itching in the mouth
Hives, itching, or eczema
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face and throat
Wheezing, nasal congestion, or trouble breathing
Stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Food allergy symptoms develop within a few minutes up to two hours after eating the food you’re allergic to. In some people, a severe allergic reaction can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that is a constriction and tightening of the airways, making it hard to breathe. This is an emergency situation that requires hospitalization and for the individual to carry around a life-saving EpiPen that opens the airways.

The 10 Most Common Food Allergies

You may be wondering: what are the most common food allergies? Here, we provide 10 of the most common food allergies affecting children and adults:

1. Peanut Allergy

One of the most common causes of a severe food allergy attack (including anaphylaxis) is peanuts – even just a small particle of a peanut can cause mild to severe reactions in many individuals. Symptoms include: hives, redness or swelling on the skin, itching or tingling in the mouth and throat, tightening of the throat, digestive problems: diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or vomiting, runny nose, and shortness of breath, or wheezing. It’s important to see a doctor or go to the ER if you’re having this kind of reaction. Those with peanut allergies typically carry around an EpiPen, as it is life-saving.

2. Tree Nut Allergy

Tree nuts are another common allergen that can cause a severe reaction (anaphylaxis). Tree nuts are classified as nuts that grow on trees (not peanuts), including: almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews, Brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, and pine nuts. About 50% of children who are allergic to one tree nut are allergic to at least one other.

Signs of food allergies for tree nuts include: life-threatening anaphylaxis, hives, redness or swelling on the skin, itching or tingling in the mouth and throat, tightening of the throat, digestive problems: diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or vomiting, runny nose, and shortness of breath or wheezing. Individuals are advised to read food labels looking for “tree nuts” in the description, which should be avoided. If your reaction is severe, your doctor may prescribe you an EpiPen that you always have on-hand.

3. Shellfish Allergy

A shellfish allergy is an atypical response triggered by your body’s immune system to proteins in specific marine animals, including: shrimp, crabs, lobster, squid, oysters, scallops, and snails. A widespread food allergy, some people react to all types of shellfish, while others only react to some. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including: a runny nose, hives, itchy, irritated skin, congestion, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, wheezing or trouble breathing, coughing or choking, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Anaphylaxis is also possible, which is life-threatening.

4. Fish Allergy

About one percent of the U.S. population has a fish allergy, a reaction from proteins in salmon, tuna, catfish, and cod, and about 40 percent of people with a fish allergy have their first allergic reaction as an adult. Fish allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, including: a runny nose, hives, itchy, irritated skin, congestion, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, wheezing or trouble breathing, coughing or choking, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, or anaphylaxis (less common). It’s important to avoid these foods if you’re allergic, or to seek medical help right away.

5. Milk Allergy

One of the most common food allergies in children, a milk allergy typically involves cow milk, but can also come from sheep, goat, or buffalo milk (or other mammals). Reactions may include wheezing, vomiting, hives, or digestive distress, and it could cause anaphylaxis in some individuals. Colic in babies is a telltale sign. It’s important to note: a milk allergy differs from lactose intolerance, which is classified as a food sensitivity that exhibits food intolerance symptoms, which are more mild and less dangerous than an allergy.

6. Egg Allergy

Another top food allergen for children, egg whites and yolks, can cause an allergic reaction for those whose immune system attacks the protein found in eggs, causing typical allergic reaction symptoms such as: hives, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, itchiness in the mouth or throat, breathing issues, or even anaphylaxis. Those with the allergy should avoid eggs at all costs and read labels carefully. Luckily, there are several egg alternatives to use in baking including: flax seeds, applesauce, chia seeds, yogurt, or a mashed banana.

7. Wheat Allergy

Not to be confused with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, a wheat allergy exhibits typical food allergy symptoms to items containing wheat. Skin reactions, itchiness in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, headache, nasal congestion, diarrhea, hives, or Anaphylaxis are some of the typical symptoms. It’s important to know where wheat lives (it’s not just in bread or pastries). Wheat can also be found in soy sauce, some dairy products, modified food starch, cereals, crackers, and more. It’s best to avoid wheat all together to avoid having a reaction.

8. Soy Allergy

Soy is most common in infants and children, but anyone can carry this allergy. A member of the legume family; beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts are also considered legumes, and one study found that 88 percent of people allergic to soy are also allergic to or have sensitivities to peanuts. Typically reactions to soy are mild, but can range from tolerable to severe (Anaphylaxis). It’s important to avoid soy and legumes and to seek medical help when needed.

9. Sesame Allergy

A lesser-known allergy, sesames can cause an allergic reaction. Cases of sesame allergies have been increasing over the past two decades, some studies say. Common symptoms include: skin rashes or hives, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, swelling or itching in the mouth and throat, a runny nose or congestion, throat tightening, or even Anaphylaxis. Always read food labels and avoid anything that contains sesame, including: tahini, hamburger buns with sesame, and sesame products.

10. Mustard Allergy

A lesser-known allergen, mustard is one of the most common spice allergies where its reactions can range from mild to severe (Anaphylaxis). Skin rash or hives, swelling of the mouth or throat, mouth tingling or itchiness, and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can ensue from consuming mustard. Avoid mustard seeds, mustard powder, and mustard greens, and read labels for mustard-containing ingredients (especially for dressings, sauces, or other mixtures).

Now that you know the most common food allergies individuals suffer with, it is that much easier to spot an allergy and to avoid dangerous allergy attacks as you go out in public. Taking correct preventative measures will keep your body healthy (and safe).

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