Types of food allergies
Food allergies are grouped into three main categories based on the type of immune response they trigger.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated food allergies
These involve an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Reactions are typically fast and can range from mild to severe, often affecting multiple areas of the body.
Symptoms usually appear within minutes and may include:
- swelling of the face, lips, or eyes
- hives or welts
- stomach pain or vomiting.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening IgE-mediated reaction that can affect breathing and circulation.
Symptoms may include:
- trouble breathing or speaking
- swollen tongue or throat
- wheezing or persistent coughing
- pale skin, dizziness, or fainting
- floppiness (especially in babies and toddlers).
Non- Immunoglobulin E (Non-IgE) mediated food allergies
These allergies do not involve IgE antibodies and mainly affect the digestive system. They do not cause anaphylaxis and are generally not life-threatening.
Symptoms are usually delayed, appearing four hours to several days after eating the allergen. One exception is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), which can cause symptoms within four hours.
Common non-IgE-mediated food allergies include:
- food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)
- food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP)
- food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE)
- coeliac disease.
Mixed-IgE/Non-IgE mediated food allergies
Mixed-IgE/Non-IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms can take days to weeks to appear. Symptoms can appear as common digestive issues including:
- vomiting
- reflux-like symptoms
- redness and irritation of the skin.
Mixed-IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies include:
- eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- atopic dermatitis.
Types of allergens
Allergies can be triggered by:
- foods
- airborne substances like pollen
- medicines
- insect bites and stings
- chemicals and substances like latex.
Children with one allergy are more likely to develop others due to cross-reactivity. This can happen in several ways:
- within allergen groups – a child with a peanut allergy may also react to soy or legumes
- between pollen and food – children with hay fever may become sensitive to certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts
- latex and food – children with a latex allergy may react to foods like kiwi, avocado, and bananas.
See our factsheets for information on common allergens.