Digestive problems like nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting can be caused by both an allergic reaction or an intolerance to certain foods. Typically a food intolerance effects your stomach with symptoms such as gas, cramps, or bloating, heartburn, headaches, irritability or nervousness. A food allergy can be more systemic effecting the whole body such as rash, hives, itchy skin, shortness of breath, chest pain. There can also be a sudden drop in blood pressure and trouble breathing or swallowing — this is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately.
Know the difference.
Food Allergy:
- Usually occurs suddenly
- Easily triggered by a small amount of food
- Reaction occurs every time you eat the food
- Can be life-threatening
Food Intolerance:
- Usually comes on gradually
- May only happen when you eat a lot of the food
- May only happen if you eat the food often
- Is not life-threatening
source: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/foods-allergy-intolerance
