Food Allergies
Food Allergies
At Bellagio Family Medical, we provide comprehensive care for individuals with food allergies, focusing on accurate diagnosis, personalized management plans, and effective treatment strategies. Our approach includes advanced allergy testing to identify specific triggers, guidance on safe dietary choices, and education on avoiding allergens. For those at risk of severe reactions, we offer emergency action plans and training on the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Our goal is to help patients confidently manage their food allergies and enjoy a safe, healthy lifestyle.
What causes food allergies?
Food allergies develop when your immune system mistakenly identifies a protein as a danger to your body. The immune system tags the protein with an antibody, and each time you consume that protein, the antibodies trigger an allergic reaction. Though children and adults can develop an allergy to any protein, most food allergies are caused by:
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Soy
Many food allergies develop before the age of two, and children gradually outgrow them by adulthood. Peanut allergies, however, are notorious for turning into a lifelong and potentially severe allergy. You may, however, have your first allergic reaction as an adult.
What symptoms develop due to food allergies?
Food allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Stomach pain
- Itchy mouth or ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Skin rash
Food allergy symptoms may appear shortly after eating or delayed for hours. You may not have the same symptoms every time you eat the food that triggers your allergies.
Do food allergies cause anaphylaxis?
Food allergies — especially allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish — can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs rapidly, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. An anaphylactic reaction requires an immediate injection of epinephrine and emergency medical care to prevent the response from causing shock.
How do allergists treat food allergies?
Not long ago, the only way to treat a food allergy was to eliminate the food from your diet, but that has changed. The team at Bellagio Family Medical, now offers oral immunotherapy. When you get oral immunotherapy, you take small doses of your food allergen on a regular schedule. Your provider carefully and precisely increases each dose, gradually desensitizing your immune system and lowering your risk of an allergic reaction. The team at Bellagio Family Medical, are experts in oral immunotherapy and offer a comprehensive program that includes 24/7 access to your board-certified allergist and nurse.
Accidentally consuming a tiny amount of your food allergen can trigger anaphylaxis. Why take that risk when oral immunotherapy can help? To learn more, call Bellagio Family Medical, or book an appointment online today.