There are many misconceptions about food allergy. Only 2 percent of the population have true food allergy. Many more have food intolerance. There is a big difference between the two.
Food allergy can cause a violent, life threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
It's an overreaction by the immune system primed to recognize some foods as foreign invaders. It is the body's version of friendly fire. The immune system reacts against nontoxic substances, such as foods, as if they were toxic invaders. Antibodies, programmed to react to some foods, unleash a cascade of immune substances, including histamines. This can inflame tissue and cause severe symptoms of throat closure, shortness of breath, chest tightness, vomiting, itching and hives.