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Test Your Food Allergy Knowledge
URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/quiz/000817.htm

Test Your Food Allergy Knowledge

What are common symptoms of food allergies?

The correct answer is all of the above. Eating something you're allergic to can trigger symptoms ranging from a runny nose to a dangerous full-body reaction. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms after eating a food, even if it's a small reaction.

Food allergy and food intolerance are the same.

The correct answer is false. A food allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to a food and releases the chemical histamine. This causes allergic symptoms. Food intolerance is more common and doesn't involve your immune system. Sometimes it occurs because you can't digest part of a food, such as lactose, a type of sugar in milk.

Which is a common food allergy?

The correct answer is all of the above. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but these are the most common. Other common foods include shellfish, soy, and tree nuts.

If you eat something you're allergic to, your body will react within:

The correct answer is two hours. Rarely, the symptoms may begin several hours after eating the food. Mild symptoms, such as a hive on your chin after eating something, will disappear soon and do not require treatment. However, you should tell your doctor about it.

For some people, food allergies can be life-threatening.

The correct answer is true. Some people have a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. This causes a whole-body reaction. Symptoms can start within minutes and may include breathing and swallowing problems, slurred speech, or passing out. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right away.

The only proven treatment for a food allergy is to avoid the food.

The correct answer is true. If you're allergic to a food, the best way to prevent a reaction is to cut the food from your diet. Other treatments, such as allergy shots and probiotics, don't work to treat food allergies.

Many children outgrow their allergy to:

The correct answer is eggs. Many children will outgrow their allergy to eggs, milk, wheat, and soy by the time they are 5 years old if they avoid that food when they are young. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish tend to last a lifetime.

To find out if you're still allergic to a food, you should eat a small amount.

The correct answer is false. Do not eat a food that caused a reaction in the past without checking with your doctor first. A mild reaction in the past can become a more severe reaction the second or third time you try a food. Your doctor may want to be present when you try the food.

People with food allergies should always carry epinephrine.

The correct answer is true. Epinephrine is a medicine you can carry with you. It can stop a severe allergic reaction and save your life. It comes in a small syringe that is ready for you to give yourself a shot. If you've had an allergic reaction to food -- even a mild reaction -- talk to your doctor about this medicine.

If you begin wheezing after eating a food, you should:

The correct answer is to inject epinephrine and then call 911. Make sure you know how to use it. Also show loved ones how to use it in case you can't inject yourself.

Fresh fruits are a common cause of mouth allergies.

The correct answer is true. If you have an allergy to fruits such as melons, apples, pineapple, and other fruits, it can cause your lips, tongue and throat to itch – especially if you eat them raw. The more fruit you eat, the more severe the reaction. A more severe reaction is rare.

Which of the following may prevent food allergies in children?

The correct answer is breastfeeding. Waiting to add allergy-causing foods until your baby is a little older also may help. The timing for this varies from food to food and from baby to baby. Ask your child’s health care provider when is best to start certain foods that commonly cause allergic reactions.

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