Food allergies affect millions of people in the United States. Children are more likely to have a food allergy, affecting between 6 and 8 percent. Approximately 3 percent of adults have food allergies. A food allergy occurs when an individual’s immune system falsely identifies a specific food protein as a threat and attacks it. The majority of food allergies are to milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. An Allergist in Louisville KY can help determine which food is causing symptoms.
Symptoms
Food allergies can be mild to life-threatening. Allergic reactions to food can cause itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and intestinal discomfort. A mild food allergy may cause diarrhea or hives. Life-threatening allergies are called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxic reactions typically involve more than one body system and will be fatal without prompt treatment. Additional life-threatening symptoms include low-blood pressure and shock.
Testing
There are two ways an allergist can evaluate a patient for a food allergy. A blood test can search for the antibodies to specific food proteins, the presence of which indicate a food allergy. A skin test can also evaluate the existence of a food allergy. In a skin test, small scratches are placed on the arm or back, and a serum containing suspected food proteins will be placed in each scratch. After for 20 minutes, a practitioner will look for a histamine reaction at each test site to determine the presence or absence of a food allergy.
Treatment
The best treatment for food allergies is avoidance. An allergic individual can read packaged food labels which indicate the major food allergens the product contains and will reveal any potential contamination with allergens, such as being produced in a facility that also processes peanuts. These labels serve to protect and warn individuals with more serious reactions against possible exposure. In the case of accidental consumption, food allergy treatment will vary based on the severity of the reaction. Mild allergies can be treated with an oral antihistamine medication. More severe allergic reactions, particularly those indicating a risk for anaphylaxis, will require an injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room.
Although allergy symptoms cause discomfort and can be serious, evaluation and treatment from an Allergist in Louisville KY can improve symptoms and prevent a dangerous reaction. Contact Dr. Smith to evaluate the existence of a food allergy.
