Food Allergies versus Food Intolerance

A food allergy reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a food or substance in a food identifying it as a threat. Symptoms can be mild or severe.

A food intolerance does not involve an immune response, but can still exhibit similar symptoms.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness/voice changes
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Swelling
• Worsening eczema
• Anaphylaxis
• Throat closing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling of passing out