Understanding your symptoms and their potential causes can be a challenging process. Some symptoms are very common and can be a sign of many different conditions making it all the more difficult to truly identify the root cause, if indeed there is only one.

We’ve put together some information on common symptoms experienced following allergy and intolerance reactions. It must be noted that, though anaphylaxis is not common, it is such an important subject to highlight when discussing allergies. Below are just some of the symptoms you can experience:

Common symptoms:

Bloating
Bloating is one of the most common symptoms with a number of possible root causes which have been researched.

Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea comes in different types; osmotic diarrhoea, secretory diarrhoea, diarrhoea associated with deranged motility and inflammatory diarrhoea.

Constipation
Constipation can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and some may find it embarrassing but it can also lead to the reabsorption of toxins, which the body is trying to excrete.

Vomiting
Whilst unpleasant, vomiting can be less harmful and is often utilised by the body to reject a substance which the body cannot tolerate or recognises as being a foreign invader.

Fatigue
Fatigue is thought to be a defence or survival mechanism of sorts, conserved throughout our evolution.

Cough
Different types of allergens or irritants cause non-infectious coughs, such as food items, pollen, dust, pet hair, mould, pollution, smoke or chemicals.

Itchy mouth
Having an itchy mouth can be a very uncomfortable symptom. It could be described as a tingling or burning sensation.

Rashes, hives and eczema
Rashes can occur for reasons other than allergies and it is important to understand the cause of a rash. Common rashes include those from infections such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and allergies.

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock occurs in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if medical attention is not sought.

Keep a diary of your symptoms

When considering the symptoms that you experience, it can be useful to write them down along with the foods you have eaten in a food and symptom diary. We will provide you with one of these for free on our Resources page.

You can use this information to understand any links between your diet and symptoms. It is also important to consider all symptoms you experience together rather than each in isolation.

The symptoms that you may experience are highly individual, so if you are unsure of whether the recommendation is right for you please do get in touch with our 24/7 LiveChat customer service team who will be happy to talk to you or use our test advisor.