This is a common question and misconception in food allergy. The answer is NO! Food allergic reactions do not always get worse with future exposures.

Allergic reactions happen when the immune system mistakenly treats a harmless substance as dangerous. This can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, stomach pain, coughing, or in some cases, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. A reaction could be the same, milder, or more severe than the last one. There is no set pattern that says each exposure will automatically make symptoms worse. In addition, many factors can affect how strong a reaction is. These include how much of the allergen is eaten, the person’s overall health, whether they have asthma, and how sensitive their immune system is at the time. Even things like recent exercise or taking certain medications can make your immune system more likely to react more intensely. Even someone who has only had milder reactions could be at risk for a more severe reaction with their next exposure. Because reactions are unpredictable, allergists stress the importance of avoiding known allergens and always being prepared, like having your epinephrine device available at all times.