Food Allergies

Call 911 Immediately if you have any of the following symptoms

• Swelling of the tongue and/or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe lightheadness/weakness or fainting
• Itching or tingling sensation in your mouth

Call the UHS Nurse Advice Line (512) 475-6877 (NURS) if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Vomiting/ diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Itchy, water eyes

The most common food allergies for adults are:

• Peanuts and tree nuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat

If you have been diagnosed with a food allergy, consider making an appointment with the UHS Registered Dietitian.

If you are allergic to a specific food, it must be completely eliminated from your diet to prevent symptoms. Continued ingestion of foods that one is allergic to can result in more serious and potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylactic shock.

Note: Food intolerance (example: lactose intolerance) is not the same as a food allergy. The problem foods should still be avoided, but intolerances are not as serious as food allergies. Symptoms of food intolerance include gas, bloating, abdominal pain and sometimes diarrhea.

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