Food Allergy Vs Food Intolerance

Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two.

A food allergy can trigger a range of symptoms, which can be severe or life-threatening. It triggers an immune reaction and can affect all organ systems. A food intolerance often affects only the digestive system, and causes less serious symptoms meaning it is not life threatening. Reactions for a food allergy are immediate after consumption or contact with food, whereas a food intolerance reaction with develop 12-24 hours after contact.

The common symptoms of a food allergy include:

• Dizziness or feeling light headed

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat or other body parts

• Runny nose, blocked nose or sneezing

• Hives, or itchy skin rash

• Vomiting or nausea

• Belly pain and/or diarrhoea

• Coughing, wheezing or breathlessness

The common symptoms of a food intolerance include:

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Bloating, or distention of the tummy

• Farting

• Tummy pain

• Headache/migraine

The cause of a food allergy is your immune system overreacting to certain types of food. It is unclear why, but certain foods are more likely to cause an allergic reaction in some people. A food intolerance is caused by your body not being able to digest a certain food or an ingredient in food, but will not result in a serious reaction.

You can get tested for both allergies and intolerances, that can include blood tests and special diets to monitor symptoms. You may be asked to keep a food and symptoms diary to help work out what may be triggering your symptoms. From this it can be determined what food or ingredients you may need to avoid eating or come into contact with, and you can be given medicines to use in case of an emergency.