What are some symptoms of gastrointestinal reactions to food allergens?

Gastrointestinal reactions to food allergens can manifest through symptoms that specifically impact the digestive system. Nausea and stomach pain are classic indicators of such reactions. They arise when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful, prompting an inflammatory response that can result in discomfort and gastrointestinal distress.

This response can occur shortly after ingestion and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, which are also integral parts of the body's defensive mechanism against the perceived threat.

The other symptoms listed, while they are indicative of allergic reactions, are primarily associated with skin or respiratory responses rather than gastrointestinal issues. Hives and itching relate to skin reactions; swelling of the lips and tongue is more indicative of oral allergy syndrome or anaphylactic response, and dizziness and confusion could be related to more severe systemic reactions but do not pinpoint gastrointestinal involvement specifically. Thus, nausea and stomach pain are the hallmark signs of gastrointestinal reactions to food allergens.