Diagnosing Food Allergies

Food allergies differ from food sensitivities or intolerances. An allergy can be severe and life-threatening, while sensitivities are usually less dangerous, but include more symptoms. The only way to identify if you have one vs. the other is to visit our staff at Allergy Care PLLC. Dr. Ludwig Khoury, Dr. Roseanne Brindisi, and Dr. Alyssia Lloyd provide two convenient locations for our Utica, NY and Watertown, NY patients.

What is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies develop from infancy. They occur when the immune system considers a particular food harmful and reacts by attacking it, releasing histamine and other chemicals into the body. This response triggers symptoms, and a reaction that can result in itching, fever, tingling, and wheezing. According to research, about 32 million Americans have them, including 5.6 million children under age 18. Common causes of food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish. They appear immediately to a couple of hours after consuming.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To test our Utica, NY, and Watertown, NY patients for food allergies, our staff uses a skin prick or blood sample to measure the presence of IgE antibodies to specific foods. One of our allergists may additionally recommend a food elimination diet. For minor reactions, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may reduce symptoms. However, a more severe reaction will require an injection of a drug called epinephrine. Food allergies aren't curable, but symptoms can be monitored and controlled.

If you or a family member has had an immediate reaction to one or more foods, schedule a consultation with our staff at Allergy Care PLLC. Diagnosing food allergies is critical in determining how to proceed with treatment. For more information about food allergies, other conditions we treat, and services provided, visit our website. For appointment scheduling with Dr. Ludwig Khoury, Dr. Roseanne Brindisi, or Dr. Alyssia Lloyd, call (315) 624 -7911 for our Utica, NY, office, and (315) 782-6200 for our Watertown, NY, location.

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