(HealthDay News) -- A food allergy -- commonly to edibles such as shellfish, nuts, wheat, eggs or milk -- often has telltale warning signs.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology offers this list of possibilities:

• Skin that itches, turns red or develops a rash.
• Watering, tearing eyes that may also itch.
• Itching or congestion of the nose.
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping or vomiting.
• Swelling.

Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling of the extremities, or constriction of the throat indicate a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 03, 2009

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