An allergy is when the body reacts unusually to a foreign substance. While any substance can trigger an allergy in a patient, certain foods are known to cause frequent allergies in some patients. Food allergies are exceedingly common but are treatable with medications and lifestyle modifications. If you need help with silver spring food allergies, call an allergist or immunologist immediately. Here are some aspects to know.
Common food allergies
While patients may react or develop an allergy to any food product, common ones include cow’s milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, and soybeans. Many people are also allergic to seafood, including shellfish like shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. A patient could be allergic to more than one food item at a time. Children can develop allergies more often than adults, but anyone, regardless of age and gender, may suffer from food allergies.
Understanding the symptoms
People may have different signs and symptoms of food allergies, but common ones include hives, itchiness around the mouth, swelling in the face, throat/tongue swelling, and trouble breathing. Other signs include cramps in the stomach, vomiting, lightheartedness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Although rare, patients may have life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a condition where the throat swells up, and the airways get blocked, making it hard for the patient to swallow or breathe.
Getting tested for food allergy
When you visit a doctor or allergist for a food allergy, they will usually rely on a wide range of tests to determine the food products that are likely responsible for your symptoms. Common examples include blood tests and skin prick tests. Your doctor may also order an oral food challenge where you would be asked to eat small amounts of a possible food allergen. The medical team will observe the symptoms and determine whether you have clinical signs of a food allergy.
Oral immunotherapy for allergies
Also known as food allergy desensitization, oral immunotherapy is a common treatment for food allergies. Your physician will determine how you will consume the particular food, typically in smaller amounts and according to a schedule. Your body will start getting immune to that food allergen until a point when you don’t have to worry about a serious reaction. The purpose of oral immunotherapy is to strengthen your immune system, especially if you ever get accidentally exposed to a food item. With time, you might be able to reintroduce the food back into your diet.
Talk to your doctor today!
