This is a list of allergies , which includes the allergen, potential reactions, and a brief description of the cause where applicable.
Name | Potential reaction(s) | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Balsam of Peru | Redness, swelling, itching, allergic contact dermatitis reactions, stomatitis (inflammation and soreness of the mouth or tongue), cheilitis (inflammation, rash, or painful erosion of the lips, oropharyngeal mucosa, or angles of their mouth), pruritus, hand eczema, generalized or resistant plantar dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and blisters. | Present in many foods, such as coffee, flavored tea, wine, beer, gin, liqueurs, apéritifs (e.g. vermouth, bitters), soft drinks including cola, juice, citrus, citrus fruit peel, marmalade, tomatoes and tomato-containing products, Mexican and Italian foods with red sauces, ketchup, spices (e.g. cloves, Jamaica pepper (allspice), cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, curry, anise, and ginger), chili sauce, barbecue sauce, chutney, pickles, pickled vegetables, chocolate, vanilla, baked goods and pastries, pudding, ice cream, chewing gum, and candy. |
Buckwheat [1] | Asthma, rhinitis, pruritus, gastrointestinal disturbances, urticaria, angioedema, shock, anaphylaxis [2] | Allergenicity is highest in Japan and Korea. [3] It is estimated that buckwheat causes 5% of all immediate-type allergic reaction cases (from food) in Japan. [4] Hazard extends to inhalation of milled flour particles (aeroallergen). Irrespective of the nomenclature, it is not a wheaten cereal; the name refers to its viability as a pseudocereal. Relating or conflating buckwheat allergy with wheat allergy or Triticeae hypersensitivities should be avoided. [5] |
Celery | Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, oral allergy syndrome, urticaria, neck or facial swelling, severe asthma symptoms, exercise induced anaphylaxis, potentially fatal anaphylactic shocks [6] | Higher risk of provoking life-threatening reactions compared to most other food allergies. Celery seeds and celeriac are more allergenic than celery stalks. [7] [8] Some individuals become cross-sensitized to other spices and herbs in the parsley family. Prevalence is high among adults in Central Europe. It is estimated that two-fifths of all Swiss food-allergy patients react to celery tubers and nearly a third of severe food allergy reactions in France may be due to celery. [9] |
Egg | Anaphylaxis, swelling, sometimes flatulence and vomiting | An allergic individual may not have any reaction to consuming food only prepared with egg yolk and not egg white, or vice versa. [10] Due to high protein content, egg white allergy is more common than the reverse. [11] The majority of children with this allergy become tolerant by adulthood. [12] |
Fish | Respiratory reactions, Anaphylaxis, oral allergy syndrome, sometimes vomiting | One of three allergies to seafood, not to be conflated with allergies to crustaceans and mollusks. [13] People with fish allergies have a 50% likelihood of being cross reactive with another fish species, [14] but some individuals are only allergic to one species, such as; tilapia [15] salmon, [13] or cod. A proper diagnosis is considered complicated due to these cross reactivity between fish species and other seafood allergies. [16] Hazard extends to exposure to cooking vapors or handling. [17] |
Fruit | Mild itching, rash, generalized urticaria, oral allergy syndrome, abdominal pain, vomiting, anaphylaxis | Mango, strawberries, banana, [18] avocado, and kiwi are common problems. [19] Severe allergies to tomatoes have also been reported. [20] [21] Stone fruits are highly cross-reactive with one another, as are the rosaceae fruits [22] [10] Reaction to hot peppers, a kind of botanical berry, is another specific type of fruit allergy. |
Garlic | Dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, asymmetrical pattern of fissure, thickening/shedding of the outer skin layers, [23] rarely anaphylaxis | Very few garlic allergens have been reported, and garlic allergy has been rarely studied. Some garlic-allergic individuals may cross-react with leek, shallot and onion. Garlic that has been heated/cooked is less allergenic than raw garlic. [24] [25] |
Oats | Dermatitis, respiratory problems, anaphylaxis | Risk extends to respiratory inhalation. Oat is not a triticeae cereal but it is possible for individuals with gluten-related disorders to be misdiagnosed as having a hypersensitivity to pure oat because cross-contamination is very common in the western world. |
Maize | Hives, pallor, confusion, dizziness, stomach pain, swelling, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, cough, tightness in throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis | Often a difficult allergy to manage due to the various food products which contain various forms of corn. |
Milk [26] | Skin rash, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, flatulence, colitis, nasal congestion, dermatitis, blisters, migraine, anaphylaxis | Not to be confused with lactose intolerance. [27] Allergy to cow's milk is the most common food allergy in infants and young children [11] but most outgrow the allergy in early childhood. Introducing baked cow's milk to allergic patients is associated with accelerated resolution of milk allergy. [28] Some evidence suggests goat's milk has less allergenic potential than cow's milk [29] and reduced risk of allergy development if infants are weaned with goat's milk. [30] Due to adult-onset sensitization it is estimated to be the second most common food allergy in American adults. [31] |
Mustard | Eczema, Rash, Hives, Facial swelling, Other skin reactions, Oral allergy syndrome, Conjunctivitis, Wheezing, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Acid Reflux, Dizziness, Asthma, Chest pain, Respiratory problems, Anaphylaxis | Mustard allergy onset is usually in infancy or toddlerhood; [32] it is seemingly very rare but true prevalence can not be established due to several tests producing high rates of false positives. [33] Due to a gradual increase in prevalence [34] and the severity of known reactions it became recognized as the 11th priority allergen by Canada in 2009, [35] and a top 14 priority allergen by the European Union in 2014. [36] [37] |
Peanut [38] | Anaphylaxis and swelling, sometimes vomiting | Includes some cold-pressed peanut oils. Distinct from tree nut allergy, as peanuts are legumes. Reactions are often severe or fatal. |
Poultry Meat [39] | Hives, swelling of, or under the dermis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe oral allergy syndrome, shortness of breath, rarely anaphylactic shock | Very rare allergies to chicken, turkey, squab, and sometimes more mildly to other avian meats. Not to be confused with secondary reactions of bird-egg syndrome. The genuine allergy has no causal relationship with egg allergy, nor is there any close association with red meat allergy. Prevalence still unknown as of 2016. [40] |
Red Meat [41] | Hives, swelling, dermatitis, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, [42] anaphylaxis | Allergies to the sugar carbohydrate found in beef, venison, lamb, and pork called alpha-gal. It is brought on by tick bites. [43] Allergic reaction to pork is an exception, as it may also be caused by pork-cat syndrome instead of alpha-gal allergy. |
Rice | Sneezing, runny nose, itching, stomachache, eczema. | People with a rice allergy can be affected by eating rice or breathing in rice steam. |
Sesame | Possible respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal reactions which can trigger serious systemic anaphylactic responses. [44] [45] | By law, foods containing sesame must be labeled so in European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. [44] Increasing prevalence has led to it being deemed the ninth most common food allergen in the United States in 2019. Highest prevalence by age was among 18-29 year olds and an estimated 80% of all sesame-allergic patients had a comorbid food allergy. [46] In 2018, the US FDA issued a request for information for the consideration of labeling for sesame to help protect people who have sesame allergies. [47] A decision was reached in November 2020 that food manufacturers voluntarily declare that when powdered sesame seeds are used as a previously unspecified spice or flavor, the label be changed to "spice (sesame)" or "flavor (sesame)". [48] Via congressional act, it was declared that food manufacturers must acknowledge sesame as a priority food allergen by the 2023 deadline. [49] |
Shellfish | Respiratory symptoms, Anaphylaxis, oral allergy syndrome, gastrointestinal symptoms, rhinitis, conjunctivitis | Shellfish allergies are highly cross reactive, but its prevalence is much higher than that of fish allergy. Shellfish allergy is the leading cause of food allergy in U.S adults. [31] As of 2018 six allergens have been identified to prawn alone; along with crab, it is the major culprit of seafood anaphylaxis. [13] In reference to it as one of the "Big 8" [50] or "major 14" allergens it is sometimes specified as a "crustacean shellfish" allergy, or more simply, a "crustacean allergy". [51] [52] Sometimes it is conflated with an allergy to molluscan shellfish but complete tolerance to one but not the other is not uncommon. Most usually, a mono-sensitive individual will experience a crustacean allergy alone with tolerance to mollusks, rather than vice versa. [13] The symptoms of an allergic reaction to molluscan shellfish should not be confused with the effects of shellfish poisoning which are a medical reactions that manifest after eating contaminated mollusks from certain areas of the world and lasts for several hours or days after onset. [53] |
Soy | Anaphylaxis, asthma exacerbation, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hives, atopic dermatitis, swelling of, or under the dermis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting | Overall is lower in prevalence than both peanut allergy and cow's milk allergy. However, due to similar protein structures soya is a common cross-reactive allergen in both peanut-allergic individuals and milk-allergic individuals; especially infants. [54] |
Sulfites | Hives, rash, redness of skin, headache (particular frontal), burning behind eyes, asthma-like breathing difficulties, anaphylaxis | Sulfites (also spelled "sulphites") are used as a preserving agents in many different foods, such as raisins, dried peaches, various other dried fruit, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, wines, vinegars and processed meats. Allergy appears to be very rare in the general population but it is still often considered to be one of the top 10 food allergies. [55] It is debated whether reaction to sulfites is a true allergy. [56] |
Tartrazine | Skin irritation, hives, rash | A synthetic food dye used in processed foods like confections, soft drinks, flavoring syrups, condiments and convenience foods in order to create a potent yellow or bright green coloring. Prevalence of allergenicity is unclear but it is the most likely azo dye to cause hypersensitivity and reactions may occur from ingestion or skin contact. It is possible for some individuals to become desensitized. There is no strong evidence suggesting that tartrazine can cause hypersensitivity or intolerance in non-allergic individuals. |
Tree nut [57] | Anaphylaxis, swelling, rash, hives, sometimes vomiting | Hazard extends to exposure to cooking vapors, or handling. Distinct from peanut allergy, as peanuts are legumes. |
Wheat [58] | Eczema (atopic dermatitis), Hives, asthma, "baker's asthma", hay fever, oral allergy syndrome, angioedema, abdominal cramps, Celiac disease, diarrhea, temporary (3 or 4 day) mental incompetence, anemia, nausea, vomiting and exercise induced anaphylaxis [59] | Risk extends to wheat hybrids like triticale. [55] True wheat allergies are very rare; it is estimated to effect 0.1%-2.2% of individuals depending on region. [60] The allergy does not commonly persist into adolescence. Gluten-free foods are safer for wheat allergic patients but they still may theoretically contain wheat's other allergenic proteins. [61] Wheat allergy symptoms should not be confused with celiac disease, gluten ataxia or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While wheat allergies are "true" allergies, celiac disease and gluten ataxia are an autoimmune diseases. [62] NCGS is more similar to food intolerances but as of 2021 its pathogenesis is still not well understood. |
Name | Possible reaction(s) | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Balsam of Peru | Redness, swelling, itching, allergic contact dermatitis reactions, stomatitis (inflammation and soreness of the mouth or tongue), cheilitis (inflammation, rash, or painful erosion of the lips, oropharyngeal mucosa, or angles of their mouth), pruritus, hand eczema, generalized or resistant plantar dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and blisters. | Present in many drugs, such as hemorrhoid suppositories and ointment (e.g. Anusol), cough medicine/suppressant and lozenges, diaper rash ointments, oral and lip ointments, tincture of benzoin, wound spray (it has been reported to inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis as well as the common ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori in test-tube studies), calamine lotion, surgical dressings, dental cement, eugenol used by dentists, some periodontal impression materials, and in the treatment of dry socket in dentistry. |
Tetracycline | Many, including: severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, severe blistering, peeling, dark colored urine [63] [64] | |
Dilantin | Many, including: swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat [65] [66] [67] | |
Tegretol (carbamazepine) | Shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue etc., hives [68] [69] [70] | |
Penicillin | Diarrhea, hypersensitivity, nausea, rash, neurotoxicity, urticaria | |
Cephalosporins | Maculopapular or morbilliform skin eruption, and less commonly urticaria, eosinophilia, serum-sickness–like reactions, and anaphylaxis. [71] | |
Sulfonamides | Urinary tract disorders, haemopoietic disorders, porphyria and hypersensitivity reactions, Stevens–Johnson syndrome toxic epidermal necrolysis | |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (cromolyn sodium, nedocromil sodium, etc.) | Many, including: swollen eyes, lips, or tongue, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate [72] | |
Intravenous contrast dye | Anaphylactoid reactions and contrast-induced nephropathy | |
Local anesthetics | Urticaria and rash, dyspnea, wheezing, flushing, cyanosis, tachycardia [73] |
Name | Possible reaction(s) | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Balsam of Peru | Redness, swelling, itching, allergic contact dermatitis reactions, stomatitis (inflammation and soreness of the mouth or tongue), cheilitis (inflammation, rash, or painful erosion of the lips, oropharyngeal mucosa, or angles of their mouth), pruritus, hand eczema, generalized or resistant plantar dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and blisters. | A number of national and international surveys have identified Balsam of Peru as being in the "top five" allergens causing patch test reactions in people referred to dermatology clinics. [74] [75] |
Pollen | Sneezing, body ache, headache (in rare cases, extremely painful cluster headaches may occur due to allergic sinusitis; these may leave a temporary time period of 1 and a half to 2 days with eye sensitivity), allergic conjunctivitis (includes watery, red, swelled, itchy, and irritating eyes), runny nose, irritation of the nose, nasal congestion, minor fatigue, chest pain and discomfort, coughing, sore throat, facial discomfort (feeling of stuffed face) due to allergic sinusitis, possible asthma attack, wheezing | |
Cat | Sneezing, itchy swollen eyes, rash, congestion, wheezing | |
Dog | Rash, sneezing, congestion, wheezing, vomiting from coughing, Sometimes itchy welts. | Caused by dander, saliva or urine of dogs, or by dust, pollen or other allergens that have been carried on the fur. [76] Allergy to dogs is present in as much as 10 percent of the population. [76] |
Insect sting | Hives, wheezing, possible anaphylaxis | Possible from bee or wasp stings, or bites from mosquitoes or flies like Leptoconops torrens. |
Mold | Sneeze, coughing, itchy, discharge from the nose, respiratory irritation, congested feeling, [77] joint aches, headaches, fatigue [78] | |
Perfume | Itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, muscle/joint pain, asthma attack, wheezing, chest pain, blisters | |
Cosmetics | Contact dermatitis, [79] irritant contact dermatitis, inflammation, redness, [80] conjunctivitis, [81] sneezing | |
Semen | Burning, pain and swelling, possibly for days, swelling or blisters, vaginal redness, [82] fever, runny nose, extreme fatigue [83] [84] [85] [86] [87] | In a case study in Switzerland, a woman who was allergic to Balsam of Peru was allergic to her boyfriend's semen following intercourse, after he drank large amounts of Coca-Cola. [88] |
Latex | Contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity | |
Water (see note) | Epidermal itching, swelling of the oral cavity after drinking water, anaphylaxis (in severe cases) [89] [90] [91] [92] [93] | Strictly aquagenic pruritus or aquagenic urticaria, but cold water may also cause cold urticaria |
Cold stimuli | Hives, itching | Known as cold urticaria |
House dust mite [94] | Asthma | Home allergen reduction may be recommended |
Nickel (nickel sulfate hexahydrate) | Allergic contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema [95] [96] | |
Gold (gold sodium thiosulfate) | Allergic contact dermatitis | |
Chromium | Allergic contact dermatitis | |
Cobalt chloride | Allergic contact dermatitis | |
Formaldehyde | Allergic contact dermatitis | |
Photographic developers | Allergic contact dermatitis | |
Fungicide | Allergic contact dermatitis, fever, anaphylaxis |
Many substances can cause an allergic reaction when in contact with the human integumentary system.
Allergen | Source | Cross reacts with | Clinical presentation |
---|---|---|---|
Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) | Found within cocamidopropyl betaine in liquid soaps and shampoos | Eyelid dermatitis | |
Latex [nb 1] | Avocado Banana Chestnut Kiwi Passion fruit Peach Mango Pineapple Fig Cantaloupe Apple Papaya Ethylene-ripened fruits | ||
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) | Black hair dye Color developer Scuba gear Henna [nb 2] | Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) Azo dyes Sulfonamides Sulfonylureas Thiazides Ester anesthetics | |
Glyceryl monothioglycolate | Permanent hair waving solutions | ||
Toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde (Toluidine) | Nail polish | Eyelid dermatitis |
Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are various conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, or swelling. Note that food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions.
An allergen is an otherwise harmless substance that triggers an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals by stimulating an immune response.
Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially fatal allergic reaction and medical emergency that is rapid in onset and requires immediate medical attention regardless of the use of emergency medication on site. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat closing due to swelling that can obstruct or stop breathing; severe tongue swelling that can also interfere with or stop breathing; shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and medical shock. These symptoms typically start in minutes to hours and then increase very rapidly to life-threatening levels. Urgent medical treatment is required to prevent serious harm and death, even if the patient has used an epipen or has taken other medications in response, and even if symptoms appear to be improving.
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to food. The symptoms of the allergic reaction may range from mild to severe. They may include itchiness, swelling of the tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or low blood pressure. This typically occurs within minutes to several hours of exposure. When the symptoms are severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. A food intolerance and food poisoning are separate conditions, not due to an immune response.
Latex allergy is a medical term encompassing a range of allergic reactions to the proteins present in natural rubber latex. It generally develops after repeated exposure to products containing natural rubber latex. When latex-containing medical devices or supplies come in contact with mucous membranes, the membranes may absorb latex proteins. In some susceptible people, the immune system produces antibodies that react immunologically with these antigenic proteins. Many items contain or are made from natural rubber, including shoe soles, pen grips, hot water bottles, elastic bands, rubber gloves, condoms, baby-bottle nipples, and balloons; consequently, there are many possible routes of exposure that may trigger a reaction. People with latex allergies may also have or develop allergic reactions to some fruits, such as bananas.
Allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a medical treatment for environmental allergies and asthma. Immunotherapy involves exposing people to larger and larger amounts of allergens in an attempt to change the immune system's response.
A hypoallergenic dog breed is a dog breed that is purportedly more compatible with allergic people than are other breeds. However, prominent allergen researchers have determined that there is no basis to the claims that certain breeds are hypoallergenic and, while allergen levels vary among individual dogs, the breed is not a significant factor.
Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy to peanuts. It is different from tree nut allergies, because peanuts are legumes and not true nuts. Physical symptoms of allergic reaction can include itchiness, hives, swelling, eczema, sneezing, asthma attack, abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, diarrhea, and cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis may occur. Those with a history of asthma are more likely to be severely affected.
Soy allergy is a type of food allergy. It is a hypersensitivity to ingesting compounds in soy, causing an overreaction of the immune system, typically with physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory distress, or a skin reaction. Soy is among the eight most common foods inducing allergic reactions in children and adults. It has a prevalence of about 0.3% in the general population.
Allergies to cats, a type of animal allergy, are one of the most common allergies experienced by humans. Among the eight known cat allergens, the most prominent allergen is secretoglobin Fel d 1, which is produced in the anal glands, salivary glands, and, mainly, in sebaceous glands of cats, and is ubiquitous in the United States, even in households without cats. The second most common is Fel d 2, this type is triggered by the cats dead skin flakes (dander) that are floating in the air as well as in the smell of cat urine.
Milk allergy is an adverse immune reaction to one or more proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms may take hours to days to manifest, with symptoms including atopic dermatitis, inflammation of the esophagus, enteropathy involving the small intestine and proctocolitis involving the rectum and colon. However, rapid anaphylaxis is possible, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires treatment with epinephrine, among other measures.
Egg allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in chicken eggs, and possibly goose, duck, or turkey eggs. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus.
A tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts/hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, shea nuts and walnuts.
Wheat allergy is an allergy to wheat which typically presents itself as a food allergy, but can also be a contact allergy resulting from occupational exposure. Like all allergies, wheat allergy involves immunoglobulin E and mast cell response. Typically the allergy is limited to the seed storage proteins of wheat. Some reactions are restricted to wheat proteins, while others can react across many varieties of seeds and other plant tissues. Wheat allergy is rare. Prevalence in adults was estimated to be 0.21% in a 2012 study in Japan.
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is an occupational disease of laboratory animal technicians and scientists. It manifests as an allergic response to animal urine, specifically the major urinary proteins (Mups) of rodents, and can lead to the development of asthma. A study of 5641 workers in Japan who were exposed to laboratory animals found 23.1% had one or more allergic symptoms; globally the prevalence among at risk workers is estimated between 11 and 30% According to the National Institutes of Health, prevention of animal allergy depends on the control of allergens in the work environment. This involves a combination of measures to eliminate or control allergen exposure, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Oral mite anaphylaxis (OMA), also known as pancake syndrome, is a disease in which a person gets symptoms after eating food contaminated with particular mites. The disease name comes from reports of people becoming ill after eating pancakes made from contaminated wheat or corn (maize) flour.
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a rare condition in which anaphylaxis, a serious or life-threatening allergic response, is brought on by physical activity. Approximately 5–15% of all reported cases of anaphylaxis are thought to be exercise-induced.
Fish allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in fish. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus. Fish is one of the eight common food allergens which are responsible for 90% of allergic reactions to foods: cow's milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and soy beans.
Shellfish allergy is among the most common food allergies. "Shellfish" is a colloquial and fisheries term for aquatic invertebrates used as food, including various species of molluscs such as clams, mussels, oysters and scallops, crustaceans such as shrimp, lobsters and crabs, and cephalopods such as squid and octopus. Shellfish allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in shellfish. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus. Shellfish is one of the eight common food allergens, responsible for 90% of allergic reactions to foods: cow's milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and soy beans.
A food allergy to sesame seeds has prevalence estimates in the range of 0.1–0.2% of the general population, and are higher in the Middle East and other countries where sesame seeds are used in traditional foods. Reporting of sesame seed allergy has increased in the 21st century, either due to a true increase from exposure to more sesame foods or due to an increase in awareness. Increasing sesame allergy rates have induced more countries to regulate food labels to identify sesame ingredients in products and the potential for allergy. In the United States, sesame became the ninth food allergen with mandatory labeling, effective 1 January 2023.