Food Allergies Specialist

What is a Food Allergy?

If you have a food allergy this means that certain foods can trigger your allergy responses. We don’t currently know what causes food allergies. However, in some instances, children who have food allergies grow out of them when they become adults. The most common food allergies are to peanuts, eggs, soy, shellfish, milk, and wheat. Symptoms of an allergic reaction vary depending on the person and the allergen. These can vary from digestive problems to swollen airways. In the instance of a throat swelling shut from an allergic reaction, this is a life threatening situation. Therefore, it is a good idea to get a food allergy skin test if you suspect that you have a food allergy. This gives you the knowledge needed to avoid triggering a food allergy.

How can I Avoid Triggering a Food Allergy?

The most basic method is to avoid being around or consuming the food that you are allergic to. Read the labels to check for possible food contamination. Let those serving you, such as in a school cafeteria or a restaurant, know that you have an allergy. As food allergy awareness is more common today, it is likely that you will be able to avoid triggering your food allergy; however, you want to have a treatment method available in the instance that you do have an allergic reaction.

What is the Best Treatment for a Food Allergy?

Depending on your food allergy, you may be able to wait it out, as in the case with dairy allergies, or you may need to get medical assistance immediately. There is another method for treating food allergies that offers permanent protection. Immunotherapy is available at the Min Allergy and Asthma Center. This treatment is FDA-approved to help with certain allergens. Contact our office to determine if this method is available to help you with your food allergy.