The immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food item, is harmful. In its attempt to protect the body, it creates specific IgE antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and histamines in order to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. The severe or life threatening reactions are called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, death occurs. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after the person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic.

Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to avoid a reaction. Reading ingredient labels for all foods is the key to maintaining control over the allergy. If a product doesn't have a label, allergic individuals should not eat that food. If the label contains unfamiliar terms, shoppers must call the manufacturer and ask for a definition or avoid eating that food.

Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is the medication of choice for controlling a severe allergic reaction. It is available by prescription in two products: EpiPen®‚ an auto injector; and AnaGuard®‚a 2-dose needle and syringe; and should be administered promptly.