Peanut (Legumes), Nut and Shellfish Allergy and Potential Fatal Food Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) Article

Food allergy can appear at any age but true allergies to food are more common in infants and young children. Food allergies are the earliest manifestation of atopy (the tendency to develop allergy) in infants and children. A limited number of foods are responsible for the vast majority of food induced allergic reactions. In children the main foods are cow milk, egg, peanut, fish, tree nuts, wheat and fish. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in infancy is frequently caused by food allergy usually to milk, egg and soy In adults the main foods that result in allergic reactions are peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Allergy symptoms vary from mild (mild skin rash or runny nose) to severe symptoms involving any of the body systems (skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract) or anaphylaxis the more severe and life threatening allergic reaction.