What are food reactions?
A person with a food reaction becomes ill after eating a particular type of food. The illness may be caused by the food itself, or it may be caused by toxins in the food. Types of food reactions include food allergies, food poisoning, and food intolerance.

What are the symptoms of food reactions?
Symptoms of food reactions depend on the underlying cause. Common symptoms of food poisoning include cramping abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea is the most common symptom and stools may be watery, bloody, or contain yellow or green mucus. Symptoms of food allergies include diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive gas, vomiting, hives, rash, itching, nasal congestion, eye redness, eye swelling, facial swelling, wheezing, and mouth or tongue swelling.

How does the doctor treat food reactions?
Treatment for food reactions depends on the underlying cause. Treatment varies based on the species of bacteria that may be involved. General treatment includes clear liquid diet, hydration, and fever control. Some may benefit from intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Treatment for food allergies may include avoidance or certain foods, epinephrine injections, antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonist medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots).