What is a common symptom of a food allergy?

A common symptom of a food allergy is hives, which are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly after consuming an allergenic food. This response occurs as a result of the immune system mistakenly identifying a harmless food protein as a threat, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergic reactions.

Hives can vary in size and may appear in clusters, and they can cause varying degrees of discomfort. In addition to hives, food allergies can also cause other symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues or respiratory problems. However, hives specifically are a hallmark of an allergic reaction and often prompt individuals to seek medical attention, as they can indicate a more severe allergic response.

While nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue can certainly arise from food intolerance or other health issues, they are not exclusive indicators of food allergies and may indicate different medical conditions, thus making hives a more definitive symptom in this context.