Food Allergies (OIT and SLIT)
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What is a Food Allergy?
Normally, the immune system protects our bodies from harmful substances, like bacteria and viruses. It also fights foreign substances (such as allergens) in the body.
The problem is that in a person with food allergies, the immune system is oversensitive to certain foods, identifying them as allergens, and triggers it's defensive reaction to them by releasing chemicals into your body, such as histamines. This results in the allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Food Allergy Intolerance
This sensitivity to allergens can causes food allergy symptoms: itching, swelling, hives, coughing, diarrhea, skin rashes, etc. Some food allergy symptoms can be more severe, such as having trouble breathing, wheezing, vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle spasms, losing consciousness, etc.
Common Food Intolerance Allergy Foods
There are 9 foods that account for 90% of food allergy reactions:
However, an individual can be allergic to any food. Which makes working closely with a board-certified allergist in identifying and treating your allergy of great importance to your over all well-being.
Food Allergy Testing & Treatments
Allergy testing may be needed to determine if the symptoms are an actual allergy or caused by other problems. For example, eating contaminated food (food poisoning) may cause symptoms similar to food allergies. Some medications (such as aspirin and antibiotics) can produce non-allergic reactions, including rashes. A runny nose or cough may actually be due to an infection.
Food Allergy Risk Management (FARM)
Advancements in Allergy and Asthma Care's “Food Allergy Risk Management” (or “FARM”) program helps children and their families be more proactive with their food allergies. See FARM Programs page for more information.
Food Allergy Testing
Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. One type of skin testing is the prick test. It involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergy-causing substances on the skin, and then slightly pricking the area so the substance moves under the skin. The skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Skin testing may not be an option for some young children and infants.
Blood tests can measure the levels of specific allergy-related substances, especially one called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
In some cases, the doctor may tell you to avoid certain items to see if you get better. This is called an elimination diet.
Normally, the immune system protects our bodies from harmful substances, like bacteria and viruses. It also fights foreign substances (such as allergens) in the body.
The problem is that in a person with food allergies, the immune system is oversensitive to certain foods, identifying them as allergens, and triggers it's defensive reaction to them by releasing chemicals into your body, such as histamines. This results in the allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Food Allergy Intolerance
This sensitivity to allergens can causes food allergy symptoms: itching, swelling, hives, coughing, diarrhea, skin rashes, etc. Some food allergy symptoms can be more severe, such as having trouble breathing, wheezing, vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle spasms, losing consciousness, etc.
Common Food Intolerance Allergy Foods
There are 9 foods that account for 90% of food allergy reactions:
- Egg allergy
- Fish allergy
- Milk allergy
- Peanut allergy
- Sesame allergy
- Shellfish allergy
- Soy allergy
- Tree Nuts allergy
- Wheat allergy
However, an individual can be allergic to any food. Which makes working closely with a board-certified allergist in identifying and treating your allergy of great importance to your over all well-being.
Food Allergy Testing & Treatments
Allergy testing may be needed to determine if the symptoms are an actual allergy or caused by other problems. For example, eating contaminated food (food poisoning) may cause symptoms similar to food allergies. Some medications (such as aspirin and antibiotics) can produce non-allergic reactions, including rashes. A runny nose or cough may actually be due to an infection.
Food Allergy Risk Management (FARM)
Advancements in Allergy and Asthma Care's “Food Allergy Risk Management” (or “FARM”) program helps children and their families be more proactive with their food allergies. See FARM Programs page for more information.
Food Allergy Testing
Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. One type of skin testing is the prick test. It involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergy-causing substances on the skin, and then slightly pricking the area so the substance moves under the skin. The skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Skin testing may not be an option for some young children and infants.
Blood tests can measure the levels of specific allergy-related substances, especially one called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
In some cases, the doctor may tell you to avoid certain items to see if you get better. This is called an elimination diet.