A food allergy will often produce the same kinds of symptoms in a child as it does in an adult, with the nose, throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract all affected. The symptoms of a food allergy can be deadly, and should never be treated lightly.

The most severe type of allergic reaction involves anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening and should be treated immediately. Symptoms of this type of allergic reaction include:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Tightening in the chest or throat
• Choking
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Food allergy symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes of ingesting the problem food, though it is not unheard of for a reaction to take place up to six hours later – or immediately. Symptoms commonly associated with a food allergy include:

• Runny nose
  
• Skin conditions, such as itching, rashes, hives or raised bumps
  
• Itchy or watery eyes
  
• Swelling, commonly around the lips and mouth (angioedema)
  
• Itchy throat
  
• Sneezing
  
• Abdominal cramps
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Diarrhea