If you or a loved one has a food allergy, you know how important it is to avoid eating foods that can cause allergic reactions. But what about airborne food allergens? Can you react to a food just by being near it? The answer is yes — but any symptoms are typically very mild.

Read more to learn which food allergens can be airborne, what the risks of exposure are, and how you can keep yourself or your child safe.

What Is an Airborne Food Allergy?

When tiny particles of a food allergen become airborne — often during cooking, such as boiling, steaming, or frying — and are inhaled, they can trigger an allergic reaction. This is different from eating or touching the food because it’s a reaction to food particles or proteins floating in the air. Fortunately, airborne food allergens rarely cause a severe reaction like anaphylaxis.

Are Some Foods More Likely To Be Airborne Allergens?

Some foods are more likely to cause airborne reactions, particularly during cooking. Examples include:

• Shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and lobster
• Fish
• Raw meat
• Egg
• Milk
• Peanuts

Although peanut particles in the air can potentially cause allergic reactions, research suggests this happens only when peanuts are being shelled, stepped on, or otherwise handled.

What Are the Risk Factors for Airborne Food Allergies?

Anyone with a food allergy could react to airborne allergens, but a couple of factors have been shown to make an allergic reaction significantly more likely. For example, people living with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to airborne allergens and develop more severe symptoms.

A person’s physical location can also make a difference. Being around airborne food allergens happens more often in places like factories where certain foods are processed. However, exposure can also happen in everyday locations where there’s a lot of the allergen in the air. This includes homes, schools, restaurants, stores, and airplanes.

What Are the Symptoms of Airborne Food Exposure?

Symptoms of airborne food exposure can vary widely from person to person, but they’re almost always mild. A few instances of severe allergic reactions have been reported, however, so it’s important to know the range of symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Mild symptoms:

• Itchy eyes or throat
• Sneezing or a runny nose
• Coughing or mild wheezing
• Rash or hives (raised, discolored, itchy welts)
• Conjunctivitis (itchy, red eyes)

Moderate symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing or persistent coughing

Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis, which usually involves multiple symptoms at once):

• Severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe hives or rash
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and seek emergency help right away.

How Serious Is Airborne Exposure?

Generally, exposure to airborne allergens isn’t a cause for serious concern. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that the chances of a severe reaction to airborne allergens are “virtually none.” Any symptoms usually resemble those of seasonal allergies to pollen and hay, such as itchy eyes and runny nose.

Considering that reactions to airborne food allergens are rare and symptoms are usually mild, most people with food allergies don’t need to worry as much about airborne exposure compared to what they eat. Eating the food is still the main cause of a severe reaction in people with food allergies.

However, it’s not impossible to have a serious reaction to an airborne food allergen. People with asthma and extremely sensitive food allergies should be a little extra cautious in places where inhaling the allergen is a higher risk.

How Can You Manage Airborne Food Allergies?

If you have had a reaction to an airborne food allergy or are concerned that you’re at risk, you can take steps to avoid scary situations and reduce your stress.

Avoid High-Risk Environments

If possible, stay out of places that are likely to have airborne food allergens, such as kitchens, bakeries, and seafood restaurants.

“Airborne triggers are tough to avoid!” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member shared. “Besides staying out of movie theaters, fairgrounds, and amusement parks, I put in my grocery orders online (Walmart etc.) and go pick them up, rather than walking around the store.”

Communicate Your Needs

Let people around you know about your food allergies. This includes friends, family, co-workers, and anyone you share a space with. Ask about food ingredients and preparation to minimize the risk of exposure.

Carry Medications

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and any other medications your doctor recommends, such as antihistamines. Make sure you and those around you know how to use the auto-injector.

Use Air Purifiers

In enclosed spaces, consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove allergens from the air. This could be helpful at home if not everyone in your household avoids your food allergens or while visiting a friend or family member.

Consult With an Allergist

Regular visits to an allergist can help you stay informed about your allergies and discuss any concerns about airborne exposure. Your allergist can also help with allergy testing to better understand your specific triggers and guide how you manage them.

What Should You Do in Enclosed Spaces Like Planes or Trains?

Traveling can be stressful for anyone with food allergies, especially in enclosed spaces like airplanes or trains, where it’s hard to control your surroundings. However, you still can manage your food allergies and limit your exposure to allergens en route.

Inform the Airline or Train Staff

Before traveling, notify the airline or train staff about your food allergies. Ask if they can make accommodations, such as letting you board early to clean your seating area or not serving certain foods.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Bring sanitizing wipes to clean tray tables, armrests, and other surfaces you might touch. This can help reduce the risk of contact with allergens.

Bring Your Own Food

Pack safe, allergen-free snacks and meals so that you can be sure your food is free of allergens. Make sure the food is packed securely to avoid cross-contact during travel.

Be Prepared

Be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for any foods that could pose a risk. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an emergency.

What Can You Do if Your Child Has an Airborne Food Allergy?

If your child has an airborne food allergy, taking extra precautions is essential to keep them safe.

Your child should have a care plan from their pediatrician or allergist that lists your child’s allergies, instructions for avoidance, and a treatment plan. Share this document with all your child’s caregivers and teachers, who should be trained to recognize and treat allergic reactions.

Work with your child's school or day care to create a safe environment. This may include establishing allergen-free zones, if necessary.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Do you or your child react to any airborne food allergens? How do you prevent or limit exposure? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.