Symptoms of an allergic reaction

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary and the reactions can be more or less severe on different occasions. Even if you try very hard to avoid the food that you are sensitive to, you may still eat it by accident.

The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

* Coughing

* Dry, itchy throat and tongue

* Itchy skin or rash

* Nausea and feeling bloated

* Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

* Wheezing and shortness of breath

* Swelling of the lips and throat

* Runny or blocked nose

* Sore, red and itchy eyes

Symptoms can appear within minutes, or up to several hours after someone has eaten the food they are allergic to. Generally, you won't experience all of these symptoms at the same time and bear in mind that some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction can also be symptoms of other illnesses.