Food Allergy Treatment

Food allergies have raised a lot of questions in today’s society. An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with food allergies, and many of them experience life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical attention. For these individuals, identifying the trigger food is crucial to preventing future allergic reactions.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can manifest in a variety of ways, but some of the most common symptoms include hives, abdominal pain or vomiting, and difficulty breathing after eating a certain food. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be fatal.

There are several foods that are known to cause food allergies, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts. These foods are responsible for the majority of food allergy cases, and people who are allergic to them must be extremely careful when eating or cooking with them.

If you suspect that you may have a food allergy, it’s essential to see a qualified healthcare professional who can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Dr. Tyler Basen is a board certified allergist and immunologist who specializes in food allergy treatment, and he can help you identify potential triggers through a food skin prick test.

Testing For Food Allergies

During a food skin test, Dr. Basen and his staff will perform a skin prick test which if positive will elicit a local histamine response on the skin. The reaction is only local and will thus confirm an antibody reaction to a particular food confirming a food allergy. This is one of the most sensitive and accurate tests and is often superior to blood testing.

This test is quick, easier than a blood draw, and accurate at confirming food allergies.

If your skin prick test results are positive, an allergist may recommend a food challenge test to confirm the diagnosis. During a food challenge test, you will be given a small amount of the suspected food allergen under close medical supervision. If you have an allergic reaction, Dr. Basen will be there to provide immediate medical care.

Food challenge testing is a crucial tool in food allergy treatment, as it allows healthcare professionals to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the allergy. Based on the results of this test, Dr. Basen will develop a customized treatment plan that may include dietary restrictions, medication, or immunotherapy.

Dietary Restrictions

Dietary restrictions are often the first line of defense against food allergies, as they help prevent future allergic reactions by avoiding the trigger food. Allergists can provide guidance on how to read food labels and identify potential allergens in foods. They can also recommend alternative foods and recipes that are safe for individuals with food allergies.

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage food allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can be effective at reducing hives, itching, and other mild symptoms, while epinephrine auto-injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions. Dr. Basen can prescribe medication and provide instructions on how to use it properly.

Getting a Treatment Plan

With the right treatment plan, you can live a healthy, happy life free from the fear of allergic reactions. If you are experiencing symptoms of a food allergy, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Contact Dr. Basen today to schedule an appointment and get the help you need to manage your food allergy symptoms.