Food Allergy

• A food allergy is an abnormal immune response
• This occurs when the body considers a substance of food (usually a protein) harmful and develops a defense mechanism around it
• The body produces antibodies to attack and destroy the substance
• The most common foods that initiate allergic reactions are: cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, egg
• Common symptoms include: abdominal pain, cramps and nausea. itchy red rash, eczema, swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing