Food Allergies
Food allergies happen when the immune system mistakenly reacts to certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild (such as itching, hives, or stomach discomfort) to severe and life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis).
Food allergies can affect both children and adults. While some children may outgrow their allergies over time, others may have lifelong sensitivities.
If you suspect a food allergy, proper evaluation is important. We provide personalized testing, education, and management plans to help you stay safe while maintaining a balanced and enjoyable diet.
Common Allergy Triggers
Anyone can be allergic to almost any food. However, in the United States, most food allergy reactions are caused by nine common foods:
– Milk
– Eggs
– Peanuts
– Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts)
– Wheat
– Soybeans
– Fish
– Shellfish
– Sesame
Each person’s allergies are unique, so evaluation and guidance should be tailored to your specific needs.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Food allergy symptoms often appear quickly after eating the triggering food. They can affect multiple parts of the body:
Skin
Itching, hives, redness, or swelling
Eyes & Nose
Itchy, watery eyes; sneezing or nasal congestion
Mouth & Throat
Itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; trouble swallowing
Lungs
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
Heart & Circulation
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Digestive system
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
In severe cases, a reaction can progress to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Conditions We Treat
Not all reactions to food are the same. We diagnose and treat a wide range of food-related conditions, including:
– Food allergies (IgE-mediated reactions)
– Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) – an allergic condition affecting the esophagus
– Food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) – a delayed immune reaction, typically in infants and young children
– Food protein–induced allergic proctocolitis (often related to cow’s milk protein in infants)
We also evaluate conditions that can mimic food allergies but are not caused by the immune system, such as:
– Lactose intolerance
– Food additive sensitivities (e.g., sulfites)
– Pharmacologic reactions (e.g., histamine-related symptoms from certain foods)
– Toxic reactions (e.g., foodborne illness)
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to a food allergy or another condition, we provide thorough evaluation to help clarify the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
How We Find Answers
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary food restrictions and ensure your safety. We use a combination of history and testing tailored to your situation.
Skin Testing
– Quick, in-office test with immediate results
– A small amount of food extract is placed on the skin (arm or back)
– If a raised bump develops within 15 minutes, it may indicate an allergy
Blood Testing
– Measures allergy-related antibodies to specific foods
– Performed at a local laboratory
– Useful when skin testing is not possible or needs confirmation
Oral Food Challenge
– The most definitive test to confirm or rule out a food allergy
– Conducted in a controlled medical setting
– You consume gradually increasing amounts of the food over several hours under close supervision
– If symptoms occur, the test is stopped and treatment is provided (including epinephrine if needed)
Treatment for Food Allergies
Treatment depends on your specific allergy, lifestyle, and risk of reactions.
Avoidance
The most important step is avoiding known trigger foods while maintaining a balanced diet.
Mild Reactions
Antihistamines can help reduce itching, hives, or minor swelling.
Severe Reactions
Epinephrine (auto-injector) is the first-line treatment to quickly open the airways and stabilize symptoms. Emergency medical care is required immediately afterward.
Advanced Therapies
For selected patients, additional treatment options may be available, including:
– Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) – gradually increasing small amounts of a food (such as peanut, including FDA-approved peanut therapy Palforzia) to build tolerance
– Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) – small doses of allergen placed under the tongue
– Biologic therapy (e.g., omalizumab) – an injectable medication that can help reduce the risk of severe reactions in certain patients
We work with you to create an individualized plan that fits your needs, preferences, and safety goals.
