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Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by the body's immune system. It is believed 3% of adults and 6%-8% of children have allergic reactions to food. A severe case of allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock which can lead to death. Milk, eggs, tree nuts, seafood, fruit, soy, wheat and peanuts are responsible for 90% of allergic reactions to food. Here are 5 types of food allergies and their cases, symptoms and ways to prevent severe reactions:


Tree nut allergy
Tree nut allergies are a very common food allergy that affects millions of people. Tree nut allergy is distinct from peanut allergy. Tree nuts that cause allergies are almonds, hickory nuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, beechnuts, pistachios and walnuts. Very rarely people are allergic to only one type of tree nut and usually it is recommended to avoid all types. This allergy is usually lifelong. Symptoms include cough, itching, sinus pain, nausea, vomiting, facial redness, facial swelling, insomnia, headaches, wheezing, sneezing and throat swelling. Tree nut allergies are especially likely to cause anaphylaxis and people with this allergy are usually prescribed injectable epinephrine.


Fruit allergy
Fruit allergy is a very rare food allergy, an adverse reaction by the body's immune system to fruit or food containing fruit. It is extremely rare for a person to be allergic to all fruits. The fruits that mostly cause fruit allergies are peaches, apricots, apples, bananas, water melons, papayas , kiwis, and strawberries. The symptoms are usually mild and they very rarely result in anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms include nausea, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, voice loss, abdominal pain and redness, rash and/or blistering around lips. In some cases even skin contact with fruit juices can cause rashes itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and cold. Cooking or removing the skin of the fruit prior to consuming it can minimize the symptoms, but the main avoiding the fruits or group of fruits that cause allergic reactions is the best possible prevention.


Egg allergy
Egg allergy is a type of food allergy in which substances from the yolk and/or whites of eggs cause an overreaction of the immune system. Allergy to egg white is more frequent. It is a common childhood allergy, but most children outgrow it by the time that they are seven. Usually those allergic to chicken eggs are also vulnerable to other kinds of eggs like quails and ducks and in some cases can even become allergic to chicken meat. Symptoms may include watery eyes, rashes, itchy eyes, sneezing, asthma, abdominal pain, runny nose, skin redness and abdominal cramps. People with egg allergy can also develop a reaction to flu vaccines and usually skin tests should be taken and if negative, a small amount of the vaccine is administered.


Seafood allergy
Seafood allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from shellfish, scaly fish or crustaceans. It is one of the most common food allergies and it mainly affects adults, but in rare cases children can also become allergic. Each kind of selfish contains different allergy-causing proteins. Iodine is not related to the protein that causes shellfish allergies. Allergic reactions can occur when the person consumes seafood, is exposed to vapors from cooking of seafood or even when handling it. Shrimp is the considered the most allergenic. The most common symptoms are angioedema, hives, swallowing problems, itchy mouth and nausea. Shellfish allergies are one of the major causes of anaphylactic shock. Some people are allergic to only one type of shellfish, but others must avoid all seafood.


Milk allergy
Milk allergy is a food allergy, an adverse immune reaction to one or more of the proteins in the milk of different animals (cow, sheep, goat, buffalo). It is one of the most common food allergies in children. Approximately 85-90% of affected children outgrow a milk allergy once they surpass 3 years of age. It is possible for adults to develop a milk allergy with no childhood history of allergies. When milk is ingested the body's immune system produces immunoglobulin E and histamine. Signs and symptoms can include: abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, asthma, runny nose, hives, lip swelling, breathing problems, lightheadedness, low blood pressure and itching. In rare cases milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Rice milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk and almond milk can be used as milk substitutes and for infants special infant formulas are available.