Health Information
Food Allergies
What Happens
The first time you eat a food that triggers an allergic reaction, your body's immune system recognizes the food as a foreign substance (Reference allergen Opens New Window). Your body reacts by developing Reference antibodies Opens New Window against the food. When you eat the offending food again, the antibodies attack the allergen, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
To learn more, see the Reference Symptoms and Reference Treatment Overview sections of this topic.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 23, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
