Food Allergy
Food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to specific food proteins, leading to allergic symptoms after ingestion. Reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives, itching or swelling to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, throat tightness or anaphylaxis. Food allergy is different from food intolerance. Food allergy involves an immune-mediated reaction that can cause rapid onset symptoms, whereas food intolerance does not involve the immune system and is typically associated with non-allergic gastrointestinal symptoms. However, a broad variety of foods may act as triggers for allergic reactions in appropriately sensitised individuals.
Symptoms of food allergy
Food allergic reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after exposure to the trigger food. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face or tongue, abdominal pain, vomiting, wheeze, chest tightness, dizziness or collapse. Severe reactions may progress to anaphylaxis, which requires urgent medical treatment.
Common food allergens
Common food allergens include peanut, tree nuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. However, a broad variety of foods may act as triggers for allergic reactions in appropriately sensitised individuals.
Specialist assessment
At Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluation of suspected food allergy using a detailed clinical history combined with targeted investigations where appropriate. This may include skin prick testing, specific IgE blood testing, and in selected cases supervised oral food challenges. Careful interpretation of allergy testing is essential, as sensitisation alone does not confirm clinical allergy.
Management of food allergy
Management focuses on confirming or excluding true food allergy, reducing unnecessary dietary restriction, and providing clear long-term management strategies. Where food allergy is confirmed, we provide personalised management plans, including ASCIA action plans, education on allergen avoidance, and guidance on recognising and responding to allergic reactions. Patients at risk of anaphylaxis receive education regarding adrenaline autoinjector use and emergency management planning.
Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic is a specialist allergy and clinical immunology clinic based in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, providing expert care for patients across the wider Sunshine Coast region including Kawana, Caloundra, Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs, Coolum, Noosa, Brisbane North, and surrounding areas. We provide both in-person consultations in Birtinya and telehealth appointments across Queensland, with short wait times for specialist allergy and immunology care.