Food allergies or what? - Allergies Message Board

Tawnie · 01-19-2002, 08:22 PM

I have been having what I think are allergic reactions to something for several months now. For example, today at 1:30 p.m. I had some macaroni salad, potato salad, and one bite of a ham and cream cheese appetizer. Within 5 minutes, my throat got tight and felt swollen, I felt congested in my ears, had muscle weakness, and felt very dizzy, although I had no trouble breathing. I had a chicken pot pie and a fruit salad at 5:30 p.m. and had no reaction. Then, at 9:00 p.m. I had the same reaction again, even though I didn't eat anything right before. What could this be?

01-20-2002, 10:03 PM

It doesn't sound like an allergy to food. Food allergies are rare things. Although nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction, a few foods account for about 90% of reactions. Among adults these foods are peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish. Among children, they are egg, milk, peanuts, soy, and wheat.

Symptoms such as swollen lips or eyes, hives, or skin rash may be allergy-related, particularly if they occur within a few minutes (up to two hours) after eating. Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms may be related to a food intolerance. Vague symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or fatigue are not food-related.