Food allergies are an exaggerated immune response to certain foods that can cause symptoms in both children and adults within 2 hours of eating. Common symptoms include stomach cramps, nasal congestion, itching, hives, and eczema. Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Each year about 150 people, mostly children and young adults, die from anaphylaxis due to a food allergy. Treatment involves avoiding trigger foods and carrying epinephrine auto-injectors.