Peppers come in many varieties, from sweet bell peppers to hot peppers. If you have a reaction to one type of pepper, you may react to others. Many meals, including those made in restaurants, contain whole peppers or a spice, such as ground chili pepper or chili flakes, which may also cause a reaction. Knowing the signs of an allergic reaction to peppers or other types of food may help you identify a problem early so that you can seek any necessary treatment.
Inflammation
Tissue inflammation commonly occurs with a food allergy. You may experience swelling of your lips, tongue or the tissue lining the inside of your mouth. However, inflammation may occur in any location of your body, including areas of your hands, face or throat. A severe allergic reaction may inflame the tissues around your airway, and this could result in difficulty breathing.
Skin
You may also experience a rash or hives on your skin, and this may appear around your mouth or in any area of your body. The rash might also itch. If you touched the pepper you could experience a localized rash called contact dermatitis. The area may appear red and have thick, raw-looking scales that drain or crust over. If you touched or scratched your face or other part of your body, you may have a breakout in these other locations as well.
Gastrointestinal
Consuming peppers or other food allergens may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms. You may have nausea and vomiting, and you might also experience diarrhea. In some cases, you could have abdominal pain that can range from mild to severe.
Other Symptoms
Food allergies may cause other symptoms as well. You may have a stuffy nose, dizziness, low blood pressure, fast heart rate or loss of consciousness.
Considerations
If you experience these or any other unusual symptoms after eating, contact your doctor. An oral medication may help relieve inflammation and other symptoms. If you have a rash your doctor may also recommend a medicated cream to help relieve the irritation. Difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or changes in heart rate require immediate medical attention. If these or other life-threatening symptoms occur, go directly to the nearest emergency medical center.