Common Food Allergies

People can be allergic to a wide range of foods, but the most common food allergies
are peanuts, dairy products, seafood, wheat, and soy.

Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is more commonly found in children, but also affects a significant
number of adults.

Sufferers can experience vomiting, breathing problems, swelling of the tongue or
throat, which can lead to an anaphylactic reaction resulting in suffocation.

A reaction can be triggered by a miniscule amount of peanut.

Sufferers need to avoid peanuts, including dishes that contain tiny particles of peanut.
They must check ingredients for traces of peanut. Doctors recommend they carry an
EpiPen containing epinephrine, a self-injectable form of adrenalin. If they have an
attack most people are advised to go to the hospital where a doctor will monitor the
reaction.

Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is one of the most common allergies suffered by children. A reaction is
triggered by the immune system fighting against one or more of the milk’s proteins,
such as lactoglobulin or casein.

Symptoms typically include swelling, itching, hives, blocked airways, hypotension or
shock, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Sufferers should avoid milk, milk powder, milk drinks, cream, yoghurt, ice cream, all
types of cheese, butter and margarine.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antihistamines as an antidote and some sufferers are
advised to carry EpiPens.

Seafood Allergy
This allergy can include all types of seafood, including shell fish, crabs, as well as
fish.

Typical symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, wheezing, flushing,
rashes and swelling of the airways. Some sufferers even react to the smell of seafood
during cooking.

Sufferers should avoid all seafood and particularly sensitive people should avoid
locations where seafood is being cooked. Doctors may also prescribe an EpiPen.

Wheat and Gluten Allergy
This allergy can be caused by eating cereal, bread or pasta.

Symptoms can include hives, rashes, abdominal pain, headaches, sneezing and a
stuffy or runny nose.

Sufferers should avoid any foods that trigger the symptoms. Some symptoms can be
controlled with antihistamines.

Soy Allergy
Soybeans have become an increasing ingredient in many food products, particularly
bread, cereals, flavourings, yoghurts and processed food

Symptoms can include a rash, abdominal pains, nausea, wheezing, itching in the
mouth, a stuffy or runny nose.

Sufferers should carefully check the ingredient lists on all products as many products
contain some level of soy.