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A person eats an allergen, or something that causes an allergic reaction for the first time
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When the person eats the allergen the body creates an antibody or a protein that detects harmful substances
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This antibody attatches itself to cells found in tissues all over the body in order to prepare the body for if that allergen enters the body again
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When the food allergen enters the body again, the allergen binds to the antibodies and sends out signals to the body to release large amounts of histamine
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The histamine causes irritation and swelling in parts of the body
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The result of this irritation varies in person to person, from mild hives, shortness of breath, to anaphylaxis
