Food allergies are an immune system response to certain foods—most commonly peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and milk and dairy.

True food allergies are not the same as food intolerance. Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, are unpleasant but usually not serious. Food allergies can be life threatening.

Anybody experiencing a food allergy attack needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually start quickly--within a few minutes to an hour after eating the allergenic food--and include:

• swelling of mouth or throat
• rash or hives
• abdominal cramps and vomiting
• difficulty breathing
• drop in blood pressure
• loss of consciousness

Preventing an attack

If you are shopping for somebody with a food allergy, read the labels on the foods you buy carefully. Allergens will be clearly marked on the package.