What is a common symptom of a food allergy?

A common symptom of a food allergy includes hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food protein as harmful, leading to various immune responses. These responses can manifest as skin reactions, such as hives—raised, itchy welts on the skin—or swelling, particularly in areas such as the lips, face, or throat.

In more severe cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that includes difficulty breathing due to swelling in the throat and trouble with airflow. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial as they can help pinpoint a food allergy, necessitating immediate medical attention for severe reactions. The other options listed may occur in different contexts but do not specifically indicate food allergies.