Dandelion Food allergies
A food allergy happens when the immune system reacts to a food that is usually harmless, and the reaction can range from mild to life-threatening. An allergist can help work out whether a food is really the cause and help you plan for everyday life.
Common signs people are referred for
A doctor may refer you to an allergist if you or your child have:
- Hives, swelling of the lips or face, or vomiting soon after eating a particular food
- A past reaction to a food that needed emergency care or an epinephrine auto-injector
- An itchy or tingling mouth after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables
- Uncertainty about whether a food reaction was an allergy or an intolerance
- A positive test result with no clear history, which has led to avoiding foods
- Questions about whether a childhood food allergy may have been outgrown
These are reasons a doctor may suggest an allergist visit. They are not a way to diagnose yourself or your child.
How an allergist assesses it
A visit starts with a careful history. Your allergist will ask what was eaten, how soon symptoms began, what they looked like, how long they lasted and what helped. Photos of past reactions can be very useful. You will also be asked about eczema, asthma, other allergies and medications, and your allergist will examine you or your child.
Depending on the history, your allergist may use allergy skin testing or blood tests. A positive result shows that the immune system has made antibodies to a food. This is called sensitization, and a positive test alone does not confirm an allergy. Many people who test positive eat the food without any trouble, which is why the story of what happened matters as much as the result.
When the answer is still unclear, your allergist may suggest a supervised oral food challenge. Small, measured amounts of the food are eaten in clinic while the team watches closely, to find out whether it can be eaten safely.
Your clinic will tell you before the visit what, if anything, needs to be paused. Please do not pause any medication unless the clinic or your own doctor has told you to.
Treatment and management options
Management starts with a clear diagnosis, because avoiding foods that are not truly a problem can make life harder without making it safer. If an allergy is confirmed, your allergist will talk with you about:
- Avoidance guidance, including reading labels, cross-contact and eating away from home
- An emergency plan and, where it is prescribed, an epinephrine auto-injector. See anaphylaxis management
- Medications that your own physician or allergist prescribes for reactions
- Food allergy immunotherapy, which may be considered for some patients after assessment. See food allergy immunotherapy
- Follow-up visits to review whether the allergy is still present
Not every option suits every person, and your allergist will explain what applies to you.
When to seek emergency care
Swelling of the throat or tongue, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting with other symptoms, dizziness or fainting after eating can be signs of a severe reaction. Call 911. If an epinephrine auto-injector has been prescribed, use it as you have been instructed, and call 911 even if you start to feel better.
Children and adults
Our pediatric and adult allergists see all ages, so a child with a suspected food allergy and a parent with the same question can be assessed at the same clinic. Visits can be in person or through our virtual allergy clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive allergy test mean I am allergic to that food?
Not always. A positive test shows that the immune system has made antibodies to the food, which is called sensitization. Some people with a positive test eat the food without any reaction. Your allergist reads the result together with your history to decide whether it is a true allergy.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
A food allergy involves the immune system and can cause reactions such as hives, swelling or trouble breathing. An intolerance usually causes discomfort, such as stomach upset, and does not involve the immune system in the same way. An allergist can help sort out which one you may have.
Can a child outgrow a food allergy?
Some children outgrow some food allergies, and others do not. Only an allergist can tell you whether it is safe to try a food again, so please do not test this at home.
Do I need a referral to see an allergist for a food allergy?
Yes. Patients cannot refer themselves. Ask your family doctor or a walk-in clinic to fax a referral to 416 850 9993, and our team will contact you to book.
Related reading
Getting an assessment
For patients
Patients cannot refer themselves. Ask your family doctor or a walk-in clinic to fax a referral to 416 850 9993, and our team will contact you to book.
How referrals workFor physicians
Send a referral through our secure online form, or read the referral guide first.
Open the referral formLast updated: October 2026Prepared by: Dandelion Allergy CentreGeneral information only, not medical advice. Your allergist's instructions take priority over anything on this page.