What is the most likely cause of wheezing and hives in individuals?

Wheezing and hives are both symptoms typically associated with allergic reactions. Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food protein as harmful, triggering a series of immune responses. This can lead to various allergic symptoms, including wheezing due to airway constriction and hives as a result of skin reactions.

Food intakes may involve the consumption of various foods but do not inherently result in these symptoms unless an allergy is present. Environmental factors can contribute to allergic reactions, but they are not the primary cause of wheezing and hives linked directly to food. Infections can cause respiratory issues, including wheezing, but they do not typically result in hives. The specific combination of wheezing and hives, therefore, is most accurately attributed to food allergies, making this the correct answer.