When Should You Suspect a Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance?

While the symptoms of a food allergy vs. an intolerance can sometimes seem similar, these two conditions are very different in cause and severity. Thus, answering the question of whether you’re experiencing one or the other is crucial.

That’s why we include food allergy testing and treatment in our services at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas. Only a physician can say for sure, but we’re happy to offer a few tips about how to spot the differences between a possible food allergy and intolerance.

Characteristics of a food allergy

When you have a food allergy, your body’s immune system mistakes a harmless food (i.e., peanuts, milk, or shellfish) for a dangerous pathogen. In response, the immune system produces antibodies and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to combat the infection.

This reaction can happen within minutes or up to a couple of hours after eating the food. Common symptoms include:

• Hives or a skin rash
• Swelling (especially lips, tongue, or throat)
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting

In severe cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention and treatment with epinephrine.

What is a food intolerance?

Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system. Instead, it typically means your digestive system has trouble breaking down a particular food.

The most well-known example is lactose intolerance, where your body lacks the enzyme needed to digest the sugar in milk (lactose).

Common symptoms of food intolerances include:

• Gas and bloating
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

These symptoms can be miserable, but they’re not life-threatening. They also tend to appear gradually, often hours after eating, and typically depend on how much of the food you consume.

When to suspect a food allergy

You should suspect a food allergy if:

• Symptoms appear quickly after ingesting the food, usually within minutes
• You experience skin reactions like hives
• You notice puffiness around the eyes
• Your throat or tongue feels like it’s swelling
• You have trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, or feel faint
• The reaction happens every time you eat the food, even in small amounts
• There’s a family or personal history of allergies, asthma, or eczema

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s essential to schedule an appointment. Our Allergy A.R.T.S. specialists can run on-site allergy testing, including blood and skin tests. We may also suggest medically supervised food challenges to identify the exact culprit.

When it’s likely an intolerance

It could be a food intolerance if:

• Your symptoms are mostly digestive (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• The reaction typically happens after ingesting moderate to large amounts of the food
• The symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous
• You can typically eat small amounts of the food without an issue

We still recommend checking in for an evaluation. However, in these cases, based on your exam and symptom review, we often recommend keeping a food diary, referral to a gastroenterologist, and trying an elimination diet to help pinpoint the cause.

Ready to take the next step?

Knowing the difference between a food allergy and intolerance can be life-saving. Schedule a visit at Allergy A.R.T.S. today. We are here to help.