Food allergies develop when the bodys immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to a particular component of the food. It's this overactive immune response that causes the symptoms of the allergy, says David Stukus, MD, allergist, associate professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, and member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). This can be triggered by eating even a small amount of the food and leads to symptoms including hives, digestive issues, swollen airways, and in some cases, death, he says.

"There are a lot of myths out there about food allergies and these can be very harmful to people looking for answers about their symptoms," he says. "If you think you have a food allergy or even a food 'sensitivity,' it is so important to talk to an allergist about your symptoms and the best way to prevent and treat them."

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9 Common Foods That Are Responsible for Almost All Food Allergies - msnNOW