Community Access Program

What is a food allergy and how is it different from other conditions?

People with food allergies have reactions such as hives, swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing, or throat tightening. These symptoms usually happen quickly, anywhere between a few minutes and two hours after eating a specific food. Food allergies are different from celiac disease and other digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Food allergies are also different from food intolerances. Food intolerances involve digestive problems that usually happen a few hours after eating specific foods, such as the sugar in milk (called lactose) or the protein in wheat (known as gluten). Click here to learn more about conditions related to food allergy and talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the symptoms that you or your child are experiencing.

For more information on other conditions, please visit:

• National Celiac Association
• Celiac Disease Foundation
• The FPIES Foundation
• Children’s National: Lactose Intolerance
• Children's National: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

I think I (or my child) may have a food allergy. How can I find out for sure?

Suspected food allergies should always be brought to the attention of a medical professional, like a general practitioner, family doctor, or pediatrician, who may then refer you or your child to an allergist. The allergist will ask questions about symptoms you have to food and may also do skin testing. A Skin Test is a very safe test done in the allergist’s office that involves putting a tiny amount of the suspected allergen on the skin and seeing how the skin reacts. If the skin becomes raised/inflamed, that usually indicates an allergy to that food exists. The allergist may also order a blood test.

The single most important “test” is you/your child’s history of reactions. If you think you may have a food allergy, try to keep track of the food you/your child eat (and if it was cooked or raw), type of symptoms after eating (such as rash, hives, swelling, stomachache, diarrhea, coughing, etc.), and how soon after eating the reaction happened.

You should also include any physical activities at the time of the reaction (like working out or playing sports), as well as if you/your child were sick (like with a cold, the flu, strep throat, etc.), and any prescription or over the counter medications taken. All this information can help the doctor figure out what is causing the reactions.

Helpful resources for those with food allergy

• FARE’s Frequently Used Resource Page
  FARE has many free resources about living with food allergies including frequently asked questions, how to read food labels, tips on avoiding your allergen, and more. You can also follow FARE on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
• Children’s National Hospital - Allergy & Immunology
  Children’s National Hospital treats children affected by allergies and related disorders. This website contains locations, contact information, and other relevant resources.
• Local Support Groups
  Joining a local food allergy support group allows you to meet and learn from others who have similar experiences with their or their child’s food allergy. Many groups offer in-person meetings, events, and activities, while others use websites or social media for an online-only experience.
  • A support group for DC Wards 7 & 8 is currently being formed. Stay tuned!
  • DC support group: Contact Kari Keaton to join email kskeaton@aol.com
  • Northern Virginia support group
• Allergy Strong
  AllergyStrong works closely with schools, food pantries, healthcare centers and other community organizations that are invested in underserved communities to help bring resources and support those with food allergies. Whether due to language barrier, lack of access to accurate healthcare/health information, economic circumstances, natural disasters, or unanticipated challenges, AllergyStrong is here to help. Contact us through our website or find us on social media and tell us how we can help support you/your community: AllergyStrong.com or @allergystrong/@shmallergy.
• FARE's Food Allergy Academy
  Food Allergy Academy offers live and on-demand education for the food allergy community. You can register here for free access to the Food Allergy Academy Training designed in partnership with expert healthcare providers, registered dietitians, and educators. Once you register, you can search for available courses and trainings that are right for you, including:
  • Food Allergy Fundamentals Webinar Series
  • Save a Life: Recognizing & Responding to Anaphylaxis

The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician.

The material on this website was written to provide a guideline for care. The authors and FARE disclaim any responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the information presented on this website. The information enclosed is not designed to take the place of a doctor's instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care. The inclusion of brand-name medications or medical devices does not imply endorsement by FARE.

The resource is funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EA #22900).