Just what is a food allergy? Some people mistake that having a food allergy means that the food is bad for them. In one sense of the word it is, however having a food allergy simply means your immune system mistakes certain foods as being harmful. The immune system is designed to fight off harmful germs and such but with a food allergy; it sometime gets out of balance.

How do you know if you have a food allergy? Symptoms of a food allergy can be much like symptoms of other allergies. You may break out in hives, your skin can be quite itchy, red and splotchy and even your tongue and lips can begin to swell.

There is a condition called anaphylaxis that can occur if you have a serious food allergy reaction that can cause your tongue and throat swell to the point that you may not be able to swallow and possibly cut off your air supply. Should you suspect or experience this sort of food allergy, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The most common reactions with a food allergy are hives and itchy skin. Though not life threatening these food allergy reactions are very uncomfortable. If you do have a food allergy reaction, try to make note of any food you have eaten that is different than what you eat on a regular basis. This is one way to determine what food allergy you may have and avoid those foods in the future.

If you are unable to determine which foods you may be allergic to, you may want to consult with your doctor or one that specializes in food allergies. You may simply have a food intolerance rather than a food allergy.

The normal way a doctor will determine which food allergy you may have, is to take a liquid extract of several foods that may be the culprits, and make a small scratch in the skin then place a drop of this extract on the scratch itself. Where the skin turns red and reacts to the extract, the doctor will know which food allergy you may have.

When the doctor finds out which food allergy you have, he can then determine which treatments will work the best. You will also know which food allergy you have and can avoid these foods in the future.

In most cases a food allergy is not life threatening and can be treated by avoiding the food or with mild medications. Unless you have severe food allergies, you can try to eliminate certain foods until you no longer have an allergic reaction to these foods.

It is important to note that if you do have a serious reaction and suspect you do have a food allergy, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.