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IgE-Mediated Food Allergy
What is IgE-Mediated Food Allergy?
An IgE-mediated food allergy is when a protein in a food triggers an abnormal response of your immune system. The reaction happens within minutes to a few hours after eating the food and typically happens each time the food is eaten.
How common is it?
Food allergies affect up to 8% of children and 4% of adults.
Triggers
The most common foods leading to a reaction are milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame seed.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin: hives, redness, itching, flushing
Mouth: itching, tingling, tongue swelling
Nose: runny nose, sneezing, congestion
Throat: tightening, hoarse voice
GI: nausea, repeated episodes of vomiting
Lungs: cough, wheezing, shortness of breath
Heart and circulation: lightheadedness, fainting, decreased blood pressure
Some people can have a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Treatment
- Epinephrine is the recommended treatment for an acute allergic reaction.
- There are multiple treatment options to prevent a severe allergic reaction.
What is not an IgE-mediated food allergy?
- Food allergy is not the cause of chronic hives/swelling or eczema.
- An IgE-mediated food reaction is not chronic. Ongoing symptoms such as indigestion, upset stomach, or diarrhea might suggest gastrointestinal problems.
- Lactose intolerance is a common problem in adults and children but is not an allergy. Other forms of dairy (cheese, yogurt, etc) or lactose-free products are often tolerated.
Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)
FPIES is a non IgE-mediated food allergy that typically starts in infancy. A variety of foods can trigger reactions. Symptoms of FPIES reactions are usually delayed by 1-4 hours. The most common symptom is repetitive vomiting, but other more severe symptoms can occur.
Pollen Food Syndrome (Oral Allergy Syndrome)
Pollen Food Syndrome is a mild reaction to foods that cause local symptoms when eaten. People often have itching, tingling, and/or swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat. These symptoms happen quickly after eating a food and typically go away on their own in less than an hour. Raw fruits and vegetables are the most common triggers, but other foods such as nuts, seeds, and shellfish can also be involved. Although these reactions are typically mild, in rare cases people may have more severe symptoms.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Alpha-gal allergy is an IgE-mediated food allergy to red meat. Because the allergy is to a carbohydrate instead of a protein, symptoms occur 2-6 hours after eating the food. This reaction often occurs after being bitten by a tick.
Trust Our ENT Clinic for Your Food Allergy Care
Food allergies can cause anything from mild itching to severe, life-threatening reactions. At Alabama ENT & Allergy, we specialize in identifying triggers and creating personalized care plans to keep you safe and supported. From common IgE-mediated allergies to conditions like FPIES or Pollen Food Syndrome, our team provides expert guidance every step of the way. Don’t let food allergies hold you back—trust us to help you live with confidence and peace of mind.
