Do You Have Food Allergies or Sensitivities?
How to Tell and How They Affect Your ENT Health.
Food allergies and sensitivities are common, but their symptoms often overlap, making them easy to confuse. The key difference? Food allergies trigger an immune response and can cause severe reactions, while food sensitivities affect the digestive system and lead to milder symptoms.
For those with ENT concerns, food allergies can contribute to chronic sinus issues, congestion, and even throat irritation. Identifying whether you’re dealing with an allergy or sensitivity is crucial for managing symptoms effectively and finding the right treatment.
Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities: An Overview of the Differences
| Food Allergies | Food Sensitivities |
| Affects the immune system | Affects the digestive system |
| Occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain foods and sees them as a threat | Occurs when the digestive system can’t digest and process certain foods |
| Symptoms start within minutes of eating the food | Symptoms start within a few hours after eating the food |
| Symptoms include inflammation, skin rash, breathing difficulties, and swallowing difficulties | Symptoms include diarrhea, an upset stomach, and gas |
| Symptoms will occur even if a small amount of the food trigger is consumed | Symptoms may not occur if only a small amount of food trigger is consumed |
| Symptoms can be life-threatening | Symptoms are not life-threatening |
What are Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur as an immune system response when the body mistakes food as a threat. If someone has a food allergy, even a small amount of their food trigger will cause severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. Much like other allergies, food allergies will cause the body’s immune system to release a chemical called histamine as a response to the threat.
Common symptoms of food allergies include:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Breathing difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
- Hives or skin rash
Symptoms of food allergies happen quickly. When someone with a food allergy consumes even a small amount of food they’re allergic to, symptoms will appear within 30 minutes to two hours.
A severe reaction to food allergens is called anaphylaxis and this can be life-threatening. Even a small amount of the food trigger can cause it. In severe cases, allergic reactions can be fatal if not treated with emergency medication like epinephrine.
About eight types of food account for about 90% of all food allergies worldwide:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
People with food allergies typically develop them during childhood but adults can also develop them later in life, even if they didn’t have them during childhood.
Understanding Food Allergies & Sensitivities in ENT Care
Food-related reactions can impact more than just digestion—they can also contribute to chronic sinus issues, congestion, and throat irritation. Knowing whether you have a food allergy or sensitivity is key to managing symptoms effectively.
How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?
Food allergies trigger an immune response and can cause severe reactions. Diagnosis typically involves a skin prick or blood test to identify common allergens. Your ENT specialist or allergist will also review your history of allergic reactions, as those with a family history of allergies are at higher risk.
What Are Food Sensitivities?
Unlike allergies, food sensitivities—also called food intolerances—affect the digestive system rather than the immune system. They occur when the body has trouble digesting certain foods, leading to symptoms such as:
✅ Upset stomach
✅ Bloating & gas
✅ Nausea
✅ Diarrhea
A common example is lactose intolerance, where the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down lactose. Unlike food allergies, people with sensitivities can sometimes tolerate small amounts of trigger foods or manage symptoms with dietary adjustments.
Diagnosing Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities can be harder to diagnose since no universal test exists. Keeping a food diary and tracking symptoms can help identify patterns and pinpoint problematic foods.
Don’t Ignore Food Reactions
If you’re experiencing persistent sinus congestion, throat irritation, or other ENT-related symptoms linked to food, consulting a specialist can help. An evaluation can provide clarity on whether an allergy or sensitivity is at play—and guide you toward effective management strategies.
