What is a food allergy?
A food allergy, simply put, is a dangerous reaction by your body’s immune system after you eat a certain type of food or ingredient. Food allergies can happen at any age and can have a range of symptoms, including, but not limited to swelling, hives, or stomach ache. Even the tiniest amount food or an ingredient can set off a severe allergic reaction.
Food allergy symptoms can range from being mild to life-threatening. In fact, the Food Allergy Research & Education group, the largest private funder of food allergy research in the United States, estimates that food allergies result in some 200,000 emergency room visits per year. Currently, 32 million Americans live with food allergies.
The eight most common food allergies
Most experts cite the following as the most common food allergies:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree Nuts
Some allergies, such as eggs, milk, and soy, may disappear overtime according at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Others, such as nuts and fish, may be a lifelong allergy.
What are common food allergy symptoms?
Food allergy symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Some symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening medical emergency)
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness & feeling lightheaded
- Eczema
- Hives
- Itching
- Inflammation (especially in esophagus)
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Runny Nose
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Swelling (skin, mouth, airways)
- Sneezing
- Tingling (typically lips)
Food allergy testing in Houston at Optimum Health
Getting tested for food allergies is important, especially if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Self-diagnosis should be avoided, because you could be either (a) unnecessarily restricting your diet and denying yourself nutrients to a degree that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, or (b) overlooking possible other causes of your food allergies, such as a food disorder.
Our clinic offers comprehensive screening of food allergies, with a thorough evaluation of your medical history and extensive diagnostic testing to confirm your food allergy and develop a proper course of action for your health and safety.
Food allergy tests typically include:
- Skin pricking test (skin reaction)
- Blood testing (antibody measurement)
- Food patch test (evaluation of delayed allergic reactions)
- Elimination method (by removing suspected foods from diet)
After the initial evaluation and testing has been done, we will evaluate your options to manage your food allergies. While food allergies cannot be cured, Optimum Health can develop a nutrition plan that can help you avoid foods that can trigger allergic reactions.
Take the first step: schedule your food allergy test
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a suspected food allergy, it is important to get tested. Schedule your appointment today at Optimum Health for your food allergy test.