What are Food Allergies?

What are the symptoms of an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction to food can affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and, in the most serious cases, the cardiovascular system. Reactions can range from mild to severe, including the potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. In the U.S., food allergy symptoms send someone to the emergency room every three minutes.Symptoms typically appear within minutes to several hours after eating the food to which you are allergic.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs very rapidly. During anaphylaxis, allergic symptoms can affect several areas of the body and may threaten breathing and blood circulation. Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis. People who have both asthma and a food allergy are at greater risk for anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine is a medication that can reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis. It is given as a “shot” and is available as a self-injector, also known as an epinephrine auto-injector, that can be carried and used if needed. Epinephrine is a highly effective medication, but it must be administered promptly during anaphylaxis to be most effective. Delays can result in death in as little as 30 minutes. Even if epinephrine is administered promptly and symptoms seem to subside completely, the individual who was treated with epinephrine should always be taken to the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Proper diagnosis of a suspected food allergy should always be evaluated and treated by a board-certified allergist. The first step to diagnose a food allergy is a thorough medical history with questions to determine if food allergy may be causing your symptoms and to identify the culprit food(s) followed by a physical exam.Next, the allergist may conduct tests to help identify a food allergy. While these tests alone do not always provide clear-cut answers, the allergist will combine your test results with the information given in your medical history to provide a diagnosis. These tests may include:
● Skin prick test (which is the most accurate and preferred method of evaluating allergies)● Blood allergy testing● Oral food challenge (this should only be performed by a board certified allergist who is specially trained)● Atopy patch testing● Trial elimination diet

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