The most common allergens in pizza are milk, tomato, yeast, egg, and wheat.

Allergic reactions to them can cause symptoms ranging from stomach upset to trouble breathing and even death.

They are good sources of essential amino acids needed for our bodies to function.

Homemade pizza on a wooden kitchen table

Rekha Garton / Getty Images

This can trigger unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, and sometimes even skin or respiratory symptoms.

Cows milk allergy is one of the more common food allergies, especially in infants and young children.

Nonetheless, about 75% of children outgrow their milk allergy by age 16.

Its important to note that amilk allergy differsfromlactose intolerance.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which causes symptoms such as itching of the mouth and lips.

OAS is the result of an allergy to certain types of pollen.

In addition, tomatoes contain high amounts of histamine, a chemical naturally produced in our bodies.

Histamine supports the immune system by acting as a chemical messenger between cells.

Some people have what is known ashistamine intolerance.

OAS is the result of an allergy to certain types of pollen.

Yeast Allergy

Pizza dough usually contains yeast.

There are differences in opinion among experts about whether it is possible to have a true yeast allergy.

Egg Allergy

While pizza dough often does not contain egg, sometimes egg is included.

However, as gluten-free options are becoming more available, you may be able to find wheat-free crust.

A more serious symptom of a food allergy is known asanaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe pop in of allergic reaction that can progress to anaphylactic shock and even death.

If you have a casein allergy, opt fornon-dairy cheese optionssuch as soy cheese.

Ordering pizza without cheese but with your other favorite toppings is also an option.

you could even make your own yeast-free pizza by substituting baking soda for yeast when making pizza dough.

Sometimes, especially with processed foods, allergens may be included as preservatives or flavorings.

When it comes to allergies, you should also be aware of the potential risk ofcross-contamination.

Use anEpiPen, if one is available, and get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pizza allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to days.

Sometimes, a second wave of allergy symptoms can occur hours after symptoms of an initial reaction have stopped.

This is known as a biphasic reaction.

The first signs that youre allergic to pizza can vary.

Pizza allergens such as casein, tomatoes, or yeast may cause itchy skin.

However, symptoms other than itchy skin can occur, such as itchy or watery eyes.

Daily News.Thats a lot of dough!

Average American eats more than 6,000 slices of pizza in a lifetime: survey.

2014;69(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1111/all.12484

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Milk & dairy.

Flom JD, Sicherer SH.Epidemiology of cow’s milk allergy.Nutrients.

Cunningham E.Is there a diet for “yeast allergy”?J Acad Nutr Diet.

2013;113(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.013

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Egg.

Cianferoni A.Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management.J Asthma Allergy.

2016;9:13-25. doi:10.2147/JAA.S81550

MedlinePlus.Food allergy.

2018;36(8):1480-1485. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.05.009

Cleveland Clinic.Food allergies.