Which of the following is a common symptom of a food allergy?

Hives are a common symptom of a food allergy, which are also known as urticaria. This skin manifestation occurs when the body has an immune response to an allergen, leading to the release of histamines. The appearance of hives can vary in shape and size and are often itchy. They usually arise quickly after exposure to the allergen and can indicate that the body is experiencing an allergic reaction.

While nausea, bloating, and indigestion can occur with various gastrointestinal issues or food intolerances, they are not specific to food allergies. Nausea might arise from food poisoning or intolerance rather than an allergic response. Bloating is more commonly associated with digesting certain foods poorly, and indigestion is related to digestive issues rather than an immune response. Thus, hives stand out as an indication of a systemic reaction linked directly to food allergies.