Food Allergy

Food Allergy symptoms, causes, treatment options available in Australia, and when to see a doctor. Evidence-based medical information.

Dr. Louis J Sisk

BSc(Hons) MBChB MRCS(Glasg) MTrauma

Published: August 23, 2025

What You Need to Know - The Basics

Food allergies happen when your body thinks some foods are dangerous, even though they aren't.

The main things to know:

Symptoms can include itchy skin, a rash, tummy pain, or trouble breathing.
Food allergies can affect anyone but are more common in kids.
They can be serious, but there are ways to manage them.
In Australia, common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, and seafood.

When to see a doctor immediately: If someone has trouble breathing, their lips or face swell, or they feel dizzy or faint.

Doctors can help you manage food allergies and keep you safe.

Overview

This condition is a medical condition that affects your body in specific ways.

How it works in your body (pathophysiology):

Food allergy affects your body through specific biological processes:

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction: Your immune system wrongly thinks certain proteins in food are dangerous. It reacts by releasing substances like histamines, which cause allergy symptoms.
Activation of mast cells and basophils: These are types of cells in your body. When activated, they release chemicals that lead to inflammation. This can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction).

Statistics and Prevalence in Australia

Did you know? About 2022 of Australians are affected by this condition.

Australia exhibits some of the highest food allergy how common it is rates globally.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2022 National Health Survey, 7.0% of Australians have a diagnosed food allergy [1].

The how common it is is particularly high among children, with 1 in 10 infants (10%) and 1 in 20 primary school-aged children (5%) affected [1][2].

Challenge-confirmed studies show rates up to 13.4% in some infant cohorts [2][5].

Among primary school-aged children, approximately 6% have food allergies, with 40% experiencing any allergic disease and one-third having multiple allergies [3].

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

This condition can show up in different ways, and symptoms may vary between people.

Common symptoms:

Symptoms can be mild at first but may get worse over time
Each person may experience different combinations of symptoms
Symptoms can come and go or be constant

Early warning signs:

Subtle changes that may be the first signs of the condition
Symptoms that might be easy to miss or ignore

Serious warning signs that need immediate medical attention:

Severe symptoms that could indicate complications
Any symptoms that get suddenly worse
Signs that suggest you need urgent medical care

Important: If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's always better to see a doctor for proper evaluation.

Food allergy symptoms can vary widely, from mild to life-threatening.

Early signs include hives, itching, and gastrointestinal discomfort, while advanced symptoms may involve respiratory distress, swelling, and anaphylaxis, a severe reaction requiring immediate medical attention [1].

Red flag symptoms necessitating urgent care include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, and a drop in blood pressure [1].

Differential diagnosis should consider other conditions such as food intolerances and non-IgE mediated allergies [1].

Causes and Risk Factors

This condition happens for several reasons working together. It's important to understand that having risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop the condition.

Main causes:

The exact cause may not be fully understood
Multiple factors usually work together
Both genetic and environmental factors can play a role

Risk factors you can't change:

Your age and gender
Family history and genetics
Previous medical conditions

Risk factors you can influence:

Lifestyle choices
Environmental exposures
Health management decisions

Good news: Understanding these risk factors can help with prevention and early detection.

The underlying causes of food allergies are complex, involving genetic and environmental factors.

The immune system's abnormal response to food proteins is central to the how it works in the body, with specific cellular and molecular pathways implicated in disease progression [1].

Risk factors include a family history of allergies, early exposure to allergenic foods, and certain environmental exposures [1].

Complications can arise from both the allergic reactions themselves and the dietary restrictions imposed to manage the condition [1].

Diagnosis

Getting the right diagnosis is important for proper treatment. Australian doctors follow specific guidelines to ensure accurate diagnosis.

How doctors diagnose this condition:

They ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history
They do a physical examination
They may order specific tests if needed
They use established medical guidelines and criteria

Tests that might be needed:

Blood tests to check for specific markers
Imaging studies like X-rays or scans if appropriate
Specialist tests depending on your symptoms

Why accurate diagnosis matters: The sooner doctors can diagnose the condition correctly, the faster they can start the right treatment for you.

Diagnosis of food allergies in Australia follows guidelines from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

A detailed clinical history is crucial to identify potential allergens and symptoms [6].

Primary diagnostic tests include skin prick testing (SPT) and serum specific IgE testing, though these tests require careful interpretation within the clinical context [6].

Testing to allergen ‘mixes’ is not recommended due to reduced sensitivity [6].

In cases of diagnostic uncertainty, an oral food challenge may be conducted by an allergist in a specialised centre [6].

Treatment Options in Australia

Treatment for this condition in Australia follows evidence-based guidelines and is tailored to each person's needs.

Treatment approaches available:

First-line treatments: Usually tried first and often most effective
Medications: Various medicines that can help manage symptoms
Non-medicine treatments: Therapies and lifestyle changes that can help
Specialist treatments: More advanced options for complex cases

Good news about costs in Australia:

Medicare covers many consultations and treatments
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) makes many medications more affordable
Public healthcare provides access to essential treatments

Treatment planning: Your healthcare team will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs and circumstances.

Management of food allergies involves avoidance of known allergens and preparedness to treat accidental exposures.

First-line treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) via an auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, which is covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia [6].

Non-medicine strategies include dietary modifications and patient education on allergen avoidance [6].

Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor the condition and adjust management plans as needed [6].

Living with Food Allergy

Managing this condition is an ongoing process, but many people learn to live well with proper support and care.

Daily management:

Follow your treatment plan as prescribed
Keep track of your symptoms and how you're feeling
Stay in regular contact with your healthcare team
Learn about your condition so you can make informed decisions

Building your support network:

Talk to family and friends about your condition
Consider joining support groups
Work with healthcare professionals who understand your needs
Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it

Self-care strategies:

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits where possible
Manage stress and get adequate rest
Stay as active as your condition allows
Focus on activities and relationships that bring you joy

Important: With proper management and support, many people with this condition live full and active lives.

Living with a food allergy requires careful management and lifestyle adjustments.

Patients should be educated on reading food labels, recognising symptoms of allergic reactions, and knowing when to seek medical help [6].

Self-management strategies include carrying an adrenaline auto-injector at all times and having an action plan for emergencies [6].

Psychosocial support is also important, as food allergies can impact quality of life and social interactions [6].

Coordination of care among healthcare providers ensures complete management of the condition [6].

Prevention

While you can't always prevent this condition, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or catch it early.

Prevention strategies:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good diet and regular exercise
Avoid known risk factors where possible
Get regular health check-ups
Know your family history and personal risk factors

Early detection:

Learn to recognise early warning signs
Don't ignore persistent symptoms
See your doctor regularly for health screenings
Follow recommended guidelines for your age and risk factors

Lifestyle choices that may help:

Don't smoke and limit alcohol
Manage stress effectively
Get adequate sleep
Stay up to date with vaccinations and health screenings

Preventive strategies focus on reducing the risk of developing food allergies.

Current evidence suggests that introducing allergenic foods early in life, under medical supervision, may decrease the likelihood of allergy development [6].

Breastfeeding is also encouraged as a protective factor against allergies [6].

Public health initiatives and education campaigns aim to raise awareness and promote best practices for allergy prevention [6].

Key Takeaways

• Food Allergy is a medical condition that can be effectively managed with proper diagnosis and treatment from healthcare professionals. • Treatment options are available in Australia through Medicare and PBS, making care accessible and affordable for most people. • Early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for people with this condition.

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