Food allergies and food intolerances are two completely different cause and effect processes. Trying to (ultimately) determine which one you may be suffering from should be properly diagnosed by your doctor. The differences (in general) are:
Food allergies:
An allergic reaction to food is a result of the body identifying a food (usually protein) as harmful and builds a defense through antibodies to fight it.
*Physical symptoms may include –
Rash, hives, stomach and/or chest pain, itchy skin, shortness of breath.
Food intolerance:
Food intolerance is a digestive versus an immune system response (the body's inability to breakdown and digest certain types of food).
*Physical symptoms may include -
Rash/itch, chest swelling, nausea, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, headaches, swelling of the airways to the lungs, Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction often effecting the skin, respiratory, central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal areas of the body).
While you should never attempt to self treat or self diagnose your symptoms, it is important that you clearly communicate your symptoms to your doctor. It is all together possible that you may have a combination of both (allergies and intolerance) to food.
If you experience any symptoms that seem outside the "norm" for your body, see a doctor immediately.
* http://www.webmd.com/allergies/foods-allergy-intolerance
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