Food allergies affect millions of people, with symptoms ranging from mild discomforts to life-threatening reactions. While any food can cause an allergic reaction, some are more common than others.

Here are seven common allergenic foods to avoid if you have a food allergy.

Milk

Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies, especially in children. It is caused by a reaction to the protein in milk, not lactose intolerance. Symptoms may include hives, wheezing, vomiting, and anaphylaxis.

Milk is not only in dairy products but is also found in processed foods as an ingredient and listed on labels as casein, whey, or lactoglobulin.

Eggs

Egg allergies are most common in children but can also develop in adults. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.

Eggs are found in baked goods, pasta, salad dressing, and some vaccines.

Peanuts

Peanuts are one of the most common allergenic foods, and allergies to peanuts are usually lifelong. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and may include hives, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, and even anaphylaxis.

Peanut allergies are not only found in peanut butter but also in foods like candy, cereal, and baked goods, as well as in some cosmetics and medications.

Tree Nuts

Tree nuts include a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios. Symptoms of tree nut allergies can range from mild to life-threatening and may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.

Tree nuts are used in many foods, including baked goods, candy, and ice cream, as well as in some cosmetics and medications.

Shellfish

Shellfish allergies are more common in adults than in children and can include allergies to crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crab, or mollusks like clams, oysters, and scallops.

Symptoms may include hives, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Shellfish can be found in many foods, including soups, stews, and sauces.

Soy

Soy is a common ingredient in many foods like soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce. It is also found in processed foods as an ingredient, sometimes listed as vegetable protein or lecithin.

Symptoms of soy allergy can range from mild to severe and may include hives, swelling, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis.

Wheat

Wheat allergy is not the same as gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to the protein in wheat, and symptoms can range from mild to severe, including hives, swelling, itching, and anaphylaxis.

Wheat is used in many foods like bread, pasta, and cereal and is often an ingredient in processed foods like soups and sauces.

If you have a food allergy, it’s important to read food labels carefully and always carry your medication with you. Avoiding allergenic foods may take some work, but it’s a small price to pay for staying healthy.