Food Allergies vs Food Intolerance: Key Differences

Food allergies involve an immune system reaction and can be life-threatening. Food intolerances are digestive responses that cause discomfort but are not immune-mediated. The distinction is critical for management.

The most common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Reactions range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Diagnosis uses medical history, skin prick testing, specific IgE blood tests, and oral food challenges. Confirmed allergy requires strict avoidance and epinephrine auto-injectors.

Oral immunotherapy is now available for peanut, milk, and egg allergies and can significantly increase tolerance threshold.

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