Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr James Harris – FRACGP
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
AHPRA: MED0000981120
Food allergies can develop at any age and may cause symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to severe allergic reactions. If you’ve noticed symptoms after eating certain foods, a telehealth appointment with an experienced Doctors on Demand doctor can help you understand whether a food allergy may be the cause and what steps to take next.
Our GPs can assess your symptoms, discuss potential food triggers, and provide referrals for allergy testing or specialist assessment where appropriate.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
Food allergy symptoms can occur within minutes of eating a trigger food, although some reactions may develop over several hours.
Common food allergy symptoms
A food allergy may result in:
- Hives (urticaria)
- Itchy skin or rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Wheezing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Runny or blocked nose
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may differ from one reaction to the next.
When is a food allergy an emergency?
Seek urgent medical care immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty talking or swallowing
- Persistent dizziness
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.
Which foods most commonly cause allergies?
Some foods are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions.
Common food allergens:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts)
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Wheat
- Sesame
Even small amounts of these foods can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Why do some people develop food allergies, while others don’t?
Researchers believe food allergies result from a combination of factors including:
- Genetics: Allergies often run in families.
- Immune system differences: Some people’s immune systems are more prone to producing IgE antibodies.
- Environmental factors: Changes in diet, gut microbiome, infection exposure, and lifestyle may influence allergy risk.
- Other allergic conditions: People with eczema, asthma, or hay fever may be more likely to develop food allergies.
How do I know if I have a food allergy?
You may have a food allergy if you consistently experience symptoms shortly after eating a particular food. Signs that may warrant medical assessment include:
- Repeated allergic reactions after eating the same food
- Unexplained hives or skin rashes
- Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
- Digestive symptoms linked to specific foods
- Family history of allergies, eczema, asthma, or hay fever
A telehealth consultation can help determine whether your symptoms are consistent with a food allergy and whether further testing is recommended.
Can food allergy testing be arranged through telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is a convenient first step for people concerned about food allergies. With Doctors on Demand, our online consults are conducted via video call, allowing you to connect more effectively with your doctor. Prior to your appointment, you can share images of any physical symptoms you have experienced, such as rashes or hives, which may help your consulting doctor.
During your online appointment, your doctor may:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Discuss possible food triggers
- Assess your risk of food allergy
- Recommend appropriate allergy testing
- Arrange referrals for pathology testing or specialist allergy assessment
- Provide advice on managing symptoms and avoiding potential triggers
Many patients find telehealth a convenient way to begin investigating suspected food allergies without needing to visit a clinic in person.
Tips to prepare for your telehealth consult
To get the most from your appointment:
- Keep a record of your symptoms
- Take photos of rashes, swelling or hives – you can upload these for the doctor to view
- Make a list of suspected trigger foods
- Have details of medications and supplements available
- Gather any previous test results
- Prepare questions you would like answered
- Join your appointment from a quiet location with a reliable internet connection
Speak to a GP 24/7
With Doctors on Demand telehealth appointments, you can connect with an Australian-registered doctor anytime, day or night for advice. Book an appointment online to speak with a doctor today.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults develop food allergies?
Yes. Food allergies can develop at any stage of life, even if you’ve eaten a food safely in the past.
Is a food allergy the same as food intolerance?
No. Food allergies involve the immune system and can be serious. Food intolerances usually affect digestion and are generally not life-threatening.
What testing is available for food allergies?
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend blood tests, skin prick testing, or referral to an allergy specialist for further assessment.
Can telehealth diagnose a food allergy?
A Doctors on Demand GP can assess your symptoms, determine whether a food allergy is likely, and arrange appropriate investigations or referrals where needed.
How do I book a food allergy assessment online?
If you’re experiencing symptoms after eating certain foods, don’t ignore the signs. A telehealth consultation can help you understand your symptoms, identify potential triggers, and access appropriate testing and specialist care. This can all be done without taking too much time out of your day, you can speak to a doctor on your lunch break, after you’ve put the kids down to bed, or even on a weekend.
Join the queue to speak to the next available doctor, or book an appointment for the time that suits you, and take the first step towards understanding your symptoms.