A food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. Once food allergies are identified, avoidance has always been the best option. However, we’re pleased to announce that there has been a significant breakthrough in treatment for peanut allergy sufferers. Peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions to accidental peanut exposure by giving peanut allergy patients increasingly small amounts of peanuts in our medically supervised office environment.

Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. While in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate emergency attention called anaphylaxis, the most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:

• Tingling or itching in the mouth
• Hives, itching or eczema
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
• Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Drop in blood pressure or rapid pulse

Eight foods are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions:
•    Cow’s milk
•    Eggs
•    Fish
•    Peanuts
•    Shellfish
•    Soy
•    Tree nuts
•    Wheat

Many people who think they are allergic to a food may actually only be intolerant to it. Food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems. With a true food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein in that food and that’s why even a tiny amount of that food can become very dangerous and life-threatening.

Along with your complete history and physical, our specialists may suggest allergy tests or an oral food challenge to accurately diagnose or rule out a true food allergy. Being allergic to a food may also result in being allergic to a similar protein found in something else. For example, if you are allergic to ragweed, you may also develop reactions to bananas or melons. This is known as cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity happens when the immune system thinks one protein is closely related to another.

If you suspect you might have a food allergy, set up an appointment to come see us at Allergy & Asthma Specialists. We have specialists who are specifically trained to help you diagnose and treat your symptoms. So call us at 219-513-8923 and begin your journey to living your best life.