As far as I know I'm not allergic to any foodstuffs, but I've gradually developed an over-sensitivity to milk since I drink it so seldom (my dh is allergic, my son doesn't like it much). Cheese, yoghurt and lactose-reduced milk is fine, but the real thing in any sizeable amount makes my throat thicken up and gives me a mild stomach cramp.

But I've noticed recently that I must be reacting to something else. I eat salad at work for lunch every day, but every now and then my throat just goes inexplicably completely thick and I spend the next 20 minutes coughing and snorting and talking funny .... Salad is usually raw vegetables, plenty of beans and peas, no cheese, but some mixes with grilled vegetables, rice and couscous. Oil-type salad dressing.

What should I be looking for? What's the most likely allergen, and is this a real allergy or just a sensitivity to something? It's getting a little annoying since I can't pinpoint it. Any starter tips?

Oh, and it's not nuts (I think). I eat them by the handful at home and feel nothing.