Going out is typically an enjoyable experience; a time we get to spend with our loved ones doing a range of activities, whether taking in a baseball game, visiting a museum, seeing a show, or going out for dinner, and odds are, we will be faced with a multitude of food options. For most of us, choosing anything on the menu isn’t an issue but for those of us with food allergies, which can range from mild to severe, it can be a frightening experience that at times can even be deadly.
Mild allergies can make many situations rather uncomfortable but for those who suffer from severe allergies, like peanuts, strawberries, or shellfish, any outing can be lethal. Food allergies can significantly impact the quality of your life, making even the most basic activities a stressful situation. Many common allergic reactions can happen to anyone with a food allergy, but there are also many unusual allergic reactions you can experience after eating common foods. Even if you aren’t aware of having any allergies, it’s possible to develop food allergies at any time.
To create this list of surprising allergic reactions to common foods, we referenced various reputable sources including Medical News Today, the FDA, and the NHS for some of the most common and least common food allergy reactions people may experience. The symptoms range from mild to severe but any allergic reaction should be addressed. If you or someone you know is experiencing one of these symptoms, be sure to get the proper medical treatment immediately. (Click to learn about the foods that could potentially make you sick or kill you.)
1. Itchy Eyes
Many of us experience itchy eyes during certain times of the year. If you suffer from pollen allergies, you know to look out for sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. But what many may not realize is that itchy eyes can also be a sign of food allergies. Your body has an immune response that leads to an allergic reaction. Even when it comes to common food allergies, itchy eyes can be a symptom that you’ve consumed something your body has recognized as a threat and is rejecting it.
2. Headaches
There are many common reasons why you may be experiencing headaches, some of which might be sinus infections, seasonal allergies, or even dehydration. However, when your body is experiencing an allergic reaction to food, it can trigger a severe headache or migraine. Food allergy headaches will likely feel different than other types of headaches, causing you pressure or pain near your sinuses, similar to when you have a sinus infection.
3. Pink Eye
Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye can be an unusual reaction to a food allergy and can occur during an allergic reaction to common food or drinks like coffee. When adults or children experience conjunctivitis, it’s generally the result of a virus or bacteria that gets in the eye. However, pink eye can also be caused by an immune response in response to an allergy.
4. Tingly Skin
Tingly skin is another rare symptom of food allergies. Unless you experience other symptoms right away, the cause of your tingly skin will likely be hard to detect immediately. This symptom is most common with reactions to fruits, vegetables, or even spices. The tingling can happen on your skin and also spread to your mouth or tongue.
5. Squeaky Voice
Food allergies are one of the biggest concerns for parents of young children and it’s important to know what to look out for. A squeaky voice is a symptom especially common in children during a severe allergic reaction. Whether they’re reacting to one of the top food allergies or one of the least common allergies, the immune response during an allergic reaction can lead to a change in their voice. This symptom may also appear as a hoarse-sounding voice or slurred speech.
6. Passing Out
There are many occasions when you might expect to feel lightheaded or like you’re about to pass out–but you might not expect this reaction when you’re sitting at the dinner table. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or even losing consciousness can be an unusual allergic reaction, especially if you’re experiencing a severe allergy. Also known as an anaphylactic reaction, it is most common with some of the top food allergens, like dairy, eggs, or peanuts, but if you have a severe enough allergy, you can experience it after eating any food you’re allergic to.
7. Trouble Breathing
When your nose starts to get a bit stuffy, your first thought may be that you’re coming down with something. But trouble breathing, whether it comes in the form of minor stuffiness or wheezing, is a symptom of a food allergy. Wheezing may be a known allergic reaction, but it’s not as common as other symptoms because it’s often a sign of a severe allergy and doesn’t usually happen to those with minor allergies or food intolerances.
8. Eczema
If you start to break out in hives after eating a meal, it may seem obvious that you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to something. Yet, when you experience something more subtle like eczema, an allergy can be harder to detect. Hives and itching are some of the most common food-based allergic reactions, and eczema can be a possible reaction as well. You’re more likely to see eczema as a symptom of a food allergy if you or your child is already prone to eczema. While it isn’t caused by a food allergy, food aversion can lead to an eczema flare-up.
9. Bloating
Bloating is a common issue in adults, even for those who aren’t allergic to anything. Although bloating can be a sign that you ate too much, severe bloating could be a sign of hypersensitivity to certain foods. This is especially true for those who already experience digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Those who do have digestive issues often have worsened symptoms after eating a food they’re allergic to. Bloating is one of the more common allergic reactions, but it’s also normal for you to experience nausea, pain, or stomach cramps.
10. Sleepiness
Some allergic reactions are difficult to detect because they can impact your whole body. You may expect to experience stomach cramps or vomiting if you accidentally eat something you’re allergic to, but these reactions aren’t limited to just your digestive system. One unusual allergic reaction, especially in children, can be sleepiness. When children are experiencing this symptom, they often fall asleep right away and are difficult to wake up. One study showed this symptom was most common for children who are allergic to hazelnuts and other tree nuts.
11. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
An increased risk of heart disease isn’t an immediate allergic reaction, but when it comes to food allergies in adults, it has become a major concern. This is especially true for some of the most common allergies, such as dairy or peanuts, as well as red meat allergies. Current studies on this risk examine the impact of IgE antibodies produced by your immune system in response to a food allergy.
Even though this response is meant to protect your body, there may be a link between the frequent creation of these antibodies and your risk of heart disease. (In similar news, see how daily marijuana consumption is linked to higher heart disease risk.)