What happens in an allergic reaction?
When the immune system reacts to a food ingredient during an allergic reaction, it triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine from cells in the body. This causes some or all of the following symptoms:
- Itching or swelling in the mouth and throat
- Hives anywhere on the body
- Runny nose and eyes
- Reddening of the skin
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
If the reaction is severe, other symptoms can occur including:
- A sudden feeling of weakness (caused by a drop in blood pressure)
- Breathing problems (your throat might start to swell up or close)
This is an anaphylactic reaction, also known as anaphylactic shock, and is life threatening. It requires immediate treatment by adrenaline injection followed by expert medical assistance. Usually the symptoms happen within seconds or minutes of being exposed to the food but the reaction can be delayed for several hours.
