Any abnormal reaction due to ingestion of food is considered an adverse food reaction. One of such reaction is due to allergic reaction to food. Once an allergic reaction has happened, symptoms may appear after that allergic individual eats      even a tiny amount of the food. Food allergy has “many faces” because it can manifest in different organ systems with different presentations.

1.) Hives or wheals are the most common skin manifestation of an allergic reaction to food. Hives are red, very itchy, swollen
     areas of the skin that may arise suddenly and leave quickly. They often appear in clusters or map-like, with new clusters
     appearing as other areas clear. Hives may occur alone or with other symptoms.

2.) Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly, red skin, can be triggered by food allergy. This
     reaction is often chronic (long standing), occurring in individuals with personal or family histories of allergies or asthma.

3.) Asthmasymptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways, may be triggered by food
     allergy, especially in infants and children.

4.)Gastrointestinalsymptoms of food allergy include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and sometimes a red rash
     around the mouth, itching and swelling of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, swelling of the stomach and gas. In infants,
     non-allergic, temporary reactions to certain foods, especially fruits, are common. For example, a rash around the mouth, due to
     natural acids in foods like tomatoes and oranges, or diarrhea due to excess sugar in fruit juice or other beverages, occur with some frequency.

   5.) A life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis can occur after consuming a food to which one is allergic to. Anaphylaxis is a systemic allergic reaction that can be severe and sometimes fatal. The first signs of anaphylaxis may be a feeling of warmth, flushing, tingling in the mouth or a red, itchy rash. Other symptoms may include feelings lightheadedness,shortness of breath, severe sneezing,anxiety, stomach or uterine cramps, and/or vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience a drop in blood pressure that results in a loss of consciousness and shock. Without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis may cause death.

   A true food allergic reaction is highly suspected if symptoms are caused by traces of the offending food when eaten again. As they grow older, some children may tolerate foods that previously caused allergic reactions. Less than    21% of patients with peanut allergy will outgrow it. Periodic food allergy check-ups with appropriate food challenges should be carried out under the supervision of an allergist.