A food allergy is triggered by some specific foods, especially when the immune system is weak. As per the study led by Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University, over 10% of the adults in the country are estimated to have a food allergy. The results were based on a nationally representative survey of over 40,000 adults. As per study data, the six most common food allergy types among adults in the country were caused by eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, finfish, and sesame. Herein, we discuss these foods and the symptoms caused by their allergy types.

1. Eggs
Allergies caused by eggs are one of the most common food allergy types. Allergies can be caused by the proteins that are present in both egg whites and yolks.

Some of the symptoms of egg allergy are:

• Swelling
• stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Hives
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes

2. Milk
Such an allergy denotes an immune reaction to the proteins present in the animal’s milk. The proteins whey and casein present in cow’s milk may lead to this allergy. The best treatment is to avoid the consumption of milk and its products. Anaphylaxis is one of the life-threatening allergy types caused by milk.

Some of the symptoms of milk allergy include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Bloody stools
• Bloating

3. Peanuts
One of the common food allergy types includes that from peanuts. A peanut allergy occurs when the immune system badly responds to the protein presented in peanuts.

Some of the symptoms of a peanut allergy include:

• Nausea
• Hives or itchy skin
• Runny nose

4. Soy
Some of the common triggers of this allergy include soy milk, soy and soy products, and soy sauce. The best way to manage is to avoid food products containing soy. Antihistamines help in controlling the reaction and relieve you from the discomfort.

Symptoms of a soy allergy include:

• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Repetitive cough
• Stomach cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach cramps
• Hives
• Dizziness

5. Tree nuts
Pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts are again causes of very common food allergy types which have affected around 1% of the population in the USA and the UK.

Some of the symptoms of tree nut allergies are:

• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Itching of the throat, eyes, mouth, and skin
• Shortness of breath

6. Wheat
Wheat allergy triggers are pasta, bread or any other food items that contain wheat. Some of the non-food items containing wheat include cosmetics, Play-Doh, or bath products.

Some of the wheat allergy symptoms include:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Asthma
• Hives
• Indigestion
• Sneezing

Prevention is always better than cure, and to avoid such an allergic reaction, you must carefully read the food labels before buying any food product. If you face any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it’s better to consult an allergist.