When uncomfortable symptoms keep appearing after meals, it can be difficult to determine which food is responsible. At Food Allergies Atlanta our allergists will identify whether the problem is a food sensitivity, or an allergic response that may require food allergy treatment. People often consider food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances to be the same thing, but these terms do not describe the same type of reaction. Here’s what makes a food sensitivity different, and the signs to watch for.
Food Sensitivities and Other Reactions to Food
Food sensitivity is a broad term used when a food seems to trigger unpleasant symptoms. Much of the time it refers to a food intolerance, though people often use it to describe a food allergy as well, but there’s a difference. A food allergy involves the immune system, while an intolerance usually comes down to the body having trouble digesting or processing a certain food. The two conditions share many of the same symptoms, so it’s not always easy to tell which one is behind a reaction.
Common Food Sensitivity Symptoms
Food sensitivity symptoms can appear within minutes to several hours after eating, and that delay can make it hard to link a reaction to a specific food. Allergists may recommend a skin prick test to check for a food allergy, then review the results alongside your history of symptoms. Below are some of the most common signs of a food sensitivity.
Digestive Problems
Digestive issues are among the most common signs of a food sensitivity. After eating foods like dairy, wheat and eggs, a person could experience bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. When these digestive symptoms are paired with hives or swelling, the issue is more likely to be a food allergy rather than a food intolerance.
Skin Reactions
Skin reactions are often a sign of an immune system response triggered by foods like eggs, milk, peanuts and shellfish. Skin reactions may appear in various forms like hives, itching, redness, rashes and eczema. When a person experiences severe swelling of the lips, throat and tongue they should seek immediate medical help.
Nasal and Breathing Symptoms
Respiratory symptoms after eating can point to a food allergy. The most common signs include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing and wheezing. People with asthma may also have trouble breathing after eating foods high in sulfites such as dried fruit, wine, processed sauces and more. If you have a tight throat, dizziness or severe breathing difficulties after eating, call 911, as these can be signs of anaphylaxis.
Headaches, Fatigue and Difficulty Concentrating
Some people notice headaches, tiredness or trouble focusing after eating certain foods. Alcohol, cheese, processed meats and caffeine are common headache triggers, while brain fog and fatigue are often linked to gluten sensitivity. But because these symptoms can have many other causes, they’re harder to trace to a single food without relying on support from an allergist.
When to Discuss Food Sensitivity Symptoms With an Allergist
If you or your child have recurring symptoms after eating, an allergist can help you understand the triggers and how to prevent severe reactions. At-home IgG food sensitivity tests are widely available, but the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends against using them. Instead, get professional food allergy testing from an allergist who knows how to properly interpret the results.
Talk to an Atlanta-Area Allergist About a Food Sensitivity
If you regularly experience symptoms after eating, speak with one of our allergists about a food sensitivity or allergy. We provide food allergy testing and treatment at centers across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
Image Credit – Alliance Images/Shuttertock.com