How long does a food allergic reaction last?

Food Allergies: How fast can a allergic reaction happen?

• Does it depend on the severity of your allergy or what you are allergic to? However, I am wondering specifically about food allergies like peanuts or berries, etc.

• Answer:

  Ridiculously fast. If your allergy is severe, an anaphylactic reaction can occur within seconds of exposure to the allergen. It's really quite horrifying up close. Severity varies by the individual. You could develop a mild rash due to ingesting tree nuts, your neighbour could have his airways seal shut. In terms of the allergen, that varies too. I've met people who have an anaphylactic response to bees, tree nuts and shellfish. Meanwhile, there was one lady I knew of who was seriously allergic to bananas. About the only commonality is that most severe allergy sufferers tend to also have eczema/asthma related symptoms. If these conditions are common in your family, you're more likely to be at risk for allergic reactions. Get an allergen panel done. It's a minor test that will assess your risk of serious reactions. Also keep in mind that serious allergies can emerge over the course of your life. You could discover a mild childhood allergy has become anaphylactic in severity during your thirties. If you believe some of these risk factors apply to you, please see an allergist.