How to tell the difference between food intolerance and food allergy. James Li, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic allergy specialist says, “If you have a food allergy, eating even the smallest amount of that food may trigger a serious reaction”

Experts say the number of people, especially young children with food allergies in the United States is on the increase and specialists are seeing more and more children with multiple allergies.

Kissing after eating food containing peanuts could lead to the development of nut allergies, according to a team of medical specialists. "Kissing is essential for a child's development and we do not advocate avoidance of kissing, but caution against high-saliva-volume kisses soon after peanut consumption in infants with eczema," they say.

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system that is often called atopy. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody, known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.Mild allergies like hay fever, are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and runny nose. Similarly, conditions such as asthma are common, in which allergy plays a major role. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens, or to medication, occur that may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.A variety of tests now exist to diagnose allergic conditions; these include testing the skin for responses to known allergens or analyzing the blood for the presence and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Treatments for allergies include allergen avoidance, use of antihistamines, steroids or other oral medications, immunotherapy to desensitize the response to allergen, and targeted therapy.