What are some common symptoms of food allergies?

Common symptoms of food allergies are indeed hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms arise due to the body's immune response to a specific food protein it mistakenly identifies as harmful.

Hives, or urticaria, are raised welts on the skin that can be itchy and are often a visible sign of an allergic reaction. Swelling, particularly in the face, lips, or throat (known as angioedema), can obstruct airways, making breathing difficult and potentially leading to an anaphylactic reaction, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Gastrointestinal distress, which includes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, also occurs as the body reacts to the allergen.

While the other answer choices contain symptoms that may relate to other health issues, they do not align with the immediate and acute symptoms characteristic of food allergies. For instance, nausea and loss of appetite can occur in various conditions but are not the hallmark signs of an allergy. Similarly, headaches and muscle pain are more likely associated with general illnesses rather than a specific food allergy response. Skin rash and excessive sweating can occur in different contexts, while abdominal pain and diarrhea can result from food intolerances rather than an allergic reaction specifically.