What are symptoms of food allergies?

The symptoms of food allergies typically include a range of acute reactions that can occur soon after exposure to the allergenic food. Each of these symptoms—nausea, hives, and shortness of breath—are well-documented manifestations of food allergies.

Nausea can arise as a gastrointestinal response when the body recognizes a food as a threat, leading to discomfort and sometimes vomiting. Hives, which are also known as urticaria, represent an allergic reaction on the skin characterized by itchy, raised welts. Shortness of breath is a serious respiratory symptom where the airways may tighten, potentially leading to anaphylaxis in severe cases. These symptoms often indicate an immediate immune response to allergens, which can range from mild to life-threatening.

In contrast, the other options represent symptoms that are generally associated with different health issues rather than food allergies. Weight gain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, dry skin, fever, chills, and muscle aches are not specifically related to food allergic reactions and may involve other medical conditions or general malaise. Recognizing the specific symptoms associated with food allergies is crucial for effective management and response in food service environments.