Doctor-Speak: Food Allergy v. Food Intolerance

Both food allergies and intolerance are common in people with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. It is important to understand the difference.

When a doctor uses the term "food allergy", he/she is usually referring to a histamine reaction, which happens suddenly like coughing, sneezing, burning of the eyes, hives, etc. This reaction can be deadly if the person cannot breathe because of it.

Food intolerance generally describes the inability to digest a particular food. Typical symptoms are gas and bloating. Although unusually not life-threatening, this can cause health problems and disease long term.