Food Allergies

Food allergies are a growing concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding what food allergies are, their symptoms and how to manage them is essential for both the affected and their families. The experienced allergy specialists at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy can determine the cause of your food allergies and design a treatment plan specific to you.

What Are Food Allergies?

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as a threat, triggering an immune response. This causes the release of chemicals like histamine, which leads to the symptoms commonly associated with allergic reactions.

Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. These foods are responsible for the majority of food allergies. “These foods can provoke varying reactions, ranging from mild symptoms like hives or stomach upset to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Saira Zafar, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms typically appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming the allergen. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the allergy.

Mild symptoms include:

• Hives
• Eczema
• Redness or swelling around the face, mouth or other parts of the body
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth, throat or lips
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat

Moderate symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
• Itchy or watery eyes
• In the deeper layers of the skin, usually around the eyes, lips or throat

Severe symptoms:
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the throat or tongue that makes it difficult to swallow
• Rapid or weak pulse
• A drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness or fainting
• Severe abdominal pain along with vomiting or diarrhea

Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for prompt treatment and can be the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Risk Factors for Food Allergies

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a food allergy, including:

• Family History: If allergies, such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever are common in your family, your risk of developing food allergies may be higher.
• Pre-existing Allergies: People with one type of allergy are more prone to developing others. For example, if you’re allergic to a specific food, you might be at an increased risk of becoming allergic to other foods. In addition, individuals with allergic conditions like hay fever or eczema are also more likely to have food allergies.
• Age: Food allergies are more prevalent in young children, particularly in infants and toddlers. Many children outgrow allergies to foods like milk, soy, wheat and eggs as they grow, and their systems mature. However, allergies to nuts and shellfish are often lifelong.
• Asthma: There is a strong link between asthma and food allergies. When both conditions are present, the symptoms of both asthma and food allergies may be more intense.

Risk Factors for Severe Reactions

Some factors may increase the risk of experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including:

• A history of asthma
• Being a teenager or younger
• Delaying the administration of epinephrine to treat allergy symptoms
• Not experiencing skin reactions, such as hives, with the allergy

Diagnosis and Testing

If you suspect a food allergy, consult an allergist for various allergy testing options. “We can perform a physical examination, review your medical history and suggest specific tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests,” Dr. Zafar says. In some cases, an oral food challenge may be conducted under medical supervision to confirm the allergy.

Managing Food Allergies

Living with food allergies requires vigilance and education. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid triggers and live as symptom-free as possible:

• Read Labels: Always check food labels for allergen information. Many packaged foods contain unexpected ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Communicate: Inform friends, family and restaurant staff about your allergies. It’s crucial for others to understand the severity of the condition.
• Carry Emergency Medication: If you have a food allergy, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector or intranasal epinephrine and know how to use it. This medication can reverse the effects of anaphylaxis and is a lifesaver in emergencies.
• Develop an Action Plan: Work with your allergy provider to create an allergy action plan outlining steps to take in case of exposure and symptoms. Share this plan with caregivers and teachers.
• Consider Allergy-Free Recipes: Explore alternatives and substitutions in cooking to make meals enjoyable and safe. Many resources are available online and in cookbooks focusing on allergen-free cooking.

Treatment for Food Allergies at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy