If you or a loved one develop certain symptoms when eating specific foods or have a diagnosed food allergy; it’s essential to see a skilled specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and care.
At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Centers, Dr. Matthew Mardiney and his professional team help patients identify their food allergies and protect their health and safety. While offering guidance on the proper precautions to avoid trigger foods and food products, we also prescribe the treatment, medication, and training to address reactions.
Far from uncommon, food allergies affect 220 million people across the globe- and those numbers continue to rise. They occur when certain foods trigger an abnormal immune response, provoking events ranging from a mild, itchy mouth to a severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
While over 160 foods are associated with allergic reactions, eight foods account for 90% of all reactions.
The top 8 most common allergenic foods include:
To diagnose a food allergy, our professional team will carefully review a patient’s personal medical history and if other family members have reactions to certain foods. We’ll also inquire about what food a patient has eaten, when it was consumed, and what symptoms developed. As part of a clinical exam, we’ll perform various diagnostic tests, such as skin testing, blood testing, an elimination diet, and food challenges to identify and confirm the particular foods provoking an allergic response.
It’s essential to avoid any foods that trigger an allergic response. Patients with food allergies must also stay away from products that contain even a trace amount of that food as an ingredient or were exposed during the production process to the offending allergen. Our office provides patients with the information and tools needed to identify safe and unsafe foods.
Although mild food allergies and reactions may respond to an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine, more severe reactions may need an immediate shot of epinephrine and emergency room care. Some people may need to carry an autoinjector, such as an EpiPen, with them at all times. Also, immunotherapy to desensitize a patient to a particular allergen may be recommended. This approach remains an active area of research.
