Do you suffer from a food allergy? Many people who do don’t know they have allergies. Individuals who suffer from food allergies may not have obvious symptoms such as swelling or shock. You may have an upset stomach or may not feel well after eating some foods. Though it can be hard to diagnose at home, when you come in to see our team, you’ll learn if you have an allergy and what can be done to help you feel better.
What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when your body’s immune system reacts to the food you consume. In some cases, even a small amount of that food can create digestive and gastro symptoms. Some food allergies are severe enough to cause swollen airways and hives. These can be life-threatening. It’s estimated that about 8 percent of children under the age of 3 and about 3 percent of adults are affected by food allergies. Common types of food allergies include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts (or all nuts)
- Soy
- Wheat or other grains with gluten such as rye, oats, and barley
- Fish
- Shellfish
What Is a Gluten Allergy?
One of the most common reasons for allergy testing occurs when there is concern about a gluten allergy. A gluten allergy occurs as a result of gliadin, that helps to form gluten protein. Gluten, which is found in wheat and other grains, is a major allergen that can trigger celiac disease, a type of autoimmune disorder. This type of allergy can create bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain or other complications related to the digestive system.
How Do You Test for Food Allergies?
Our Brooklyn food allergy testing helps to determine if you have food allergies and what types of foods cause allergic reactions for you. There are several types of tests we use to provide some information about allergies. Those include the following:
Skin Prick Test: This is the most precise way to test for allergies and is the primary method we use to identify food allergies and other allergies. We will perform the test either on the arm or back. After marking the skin and applying a tiny amount of the allergen, we will lightly prick the skin to allow the allergen to seep in and check for a reaction. If you are allergic to one of the substances, you will develop a small red, raised bump like a mosquito bite which will go away within a few hours.
Blood Tests: A blood test can provide information about how your immune system is responding to a particular food. To do this, we look at the allergy-type antibodies in the blood stream. These are called immunoglobulin E antibodies. These blood tests are a good starting point but often provide limited information.
Oral Food Challenge: This test is done in our doctor’s office. We’ll give you small, but slowly increasing amounts of the food we believe you are allergic to. We’ll then monitor for a reaction. If you do not have a reaction, you may be able to continue eating that food.
Trial Elimination Diet: A key step in ruling out one food or the other starts with an elimination diet. We’ll remove one suspect food from your diet for a week or more. Then, we’ll add it back in to see if there is a reaction with any type of reaction. It’s important to know that psychological factors can play a role in this process, making results less than accurate in some situations.
Avoid Self-Diagnosis and Unproven Tests
It’s very important not to try to self-diagnose a food allergy. If you think you have a sensitivity to gluten or another type of food, talk to our team first. Unproven, over-the-counter, or other types of tests simply cannot provide you with clear, accurate information. However, our offices offer a fast and reliable solution you can count on.
From Brooklyn food allergy testing, contact our team today. If you suspect a food is behind your systems, we want to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergies
What distinguishes a food allergy from a food intolerance?
A food allergy is related to the immune system. Your body mistakenly perceives certain foods as harmful and reacts to them. Even a small amount can trigger symptoms. Food intolerance is less severe and is often limited to digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. While intolerances can be uncomfortable, food allergies can be severe and sometimes life-threatening.
What causes food allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a specific food protein. Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. Genetics, environmental factors, and early exposure may all contribute to why some people develop food allergies.
How do I know I have a food allergy?
Symptoms of a food allergy usually appear shortly after eating the trigger food. When your body reacts to an allergen, it can cause a range of symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, swelling, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
Can you develop food allergies later in life?
Yes. While many food allergies begin in childhood, adults can develop new food allergies at any age. Some allergies may also fade with age, while others persist throughout a person’s life. Environmental changes, the immune system, or repeated exposure to certain foods may contribute to these changes.
Can a food allergy cause complications?
Yes. The most serious complication is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can affect breathing and blood pressure. Symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated immediately.
How will my GI doctor know I have a food allergy?
Tests are the only way for your GI doctor to accurately pinpoint food allergies. The doctor will start by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and any patterns related to food intake. You may be asked to keep a food diary. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend tests for food allergy, including a skin prick test, blood tests, an intradermal test, and a food challenge test.
How is a skin prick test conducted, and what should I expect during the procedure?
During a skin prick test, the doctor will place small drops of potential allergens on your skin, usually on the back or forearm. The skin is lightly pricked so the allergen enters just beneath the surface. If you are allergic, a small raised bump (wheal) or redness may appear within 15 to 20 minutes. The test is quick and minimally uncomfortable.
What are the treatment options for food allergy?
The primary treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the trigger food. Your doctor will help you understand how to read food labels and avoid cross-contamination. For mild reactions, antihistamines may help relieve symptoms.
The doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector to carry at all times for patients at risk for severe reactions. Your doctor will also create an allergy action plan that outlines what to do if you come into contact with an allergen. This should be shared with those around you, including family, teachers, or colleagues.
Do you need food allergy treatment in Brooklyn, NY?
Food allergies can be disruptive and can lead to serious health complications. If you suspect a food allergy or another GI issue, don't postpone treatment. The expert team at Atlantic Gastroenterology is ready to provide precise and effective diagnosis and treatment. Call 718 521-2840 and schedule an appointment with our offices in Brooklyn, NY (Court Street and Ocean Parkway), and Coral Springs, FL.