Jennifer PatelQ: What's the difference between food intolerance and food allergies? I think I'm allergic to a couple of things, but my wife says it's just an intolerance.
A: Food intolerances and food allergies are two very different reactions within your body. If you regularly get a runny nose after eating spicy food or foods such as cheese give you a stomachache, you probably have an intolerance to those foods - but that's not an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction happens when you ingest something that your body feels is a danger to it and your immune system reacts to protect you. About 90 percent of food allergies are caused by milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat or soy.
If you think you do have a food allergy, you should see an allergist for a workup and testing. It's helpful if you keep a list of what you're eating and any reactions you're having, like a food diary. If you develop a rash after ingesting something, take a picture of the rash to show the allergist. The more information you can bring with you, the easier it is to determine what is causing the problem.
If your testing shows that you're allergic to a food product, your allergist can help you create a plan to manage the allergy that will keep you healthy and safe.
- Jennifer Patel, M.D., Chattanooga Allergy Clinic; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society