Food Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Food allergies can be a source of pain and discomfort for the individuals affected by them. Food allergies can affect both children and food allergyadults. An allergist can test you or your children for specific food allergies. Once the allergies have been identified, possible treatment options can be reviewed. At Allergy Care, Dr. Ludwig Khoury is your allergist for treating food allergies in the Utica and Watertown areas.

Symptoms

A variety of foods can produce allergic reactions in people. Some of the foods people are commonly allergic to include fish, shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds. Other foods associated with allergies include eggs, dairy, corn, and wheat. A broad range of symptoms can result from food allergies. One of the most severe symptoms that can occur is anaphylaxis, which is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe, while also sending the body into shock. Other symptoms associated with food allergies include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Itchiness
  • Rash

Treatment Options

There are several options for treating food allergies. An allergist can develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. Antihistamines can be helpful for minimizing the symptoms of food allergies. For patients with potentially life-threatening food allergies, EpiPens are a critical component of their treatment plan and are used to stop the onset of anaphylaxis. Another treatment option is desensitization. Desensitization works by exposing a patient to small amounts of the allergen to help that person build up a tolerance to it.

Another component of treating food allergies is managing them by taking precautions to prevent allergic reactions. For instance, it is important to take precautions when handling or cooking certain foods. For some individuals, simply touching foods they are allergic to is enough to produce an allergic reaction. Wearing gloves when preparing food is a good way to safeguard against an allergic reaction. It is also helpful to read food labels to ensure the ingredients list does not contain any foods that could produce an allergic reaction.

An allergist can help identify your exact food allergies and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. For the treatment of food allergies in Watertown or Utica, NY, schedule an appointment with Dr. Khoury by calling Allergy Care at (315) 624-7911 for Utica or at (315) 782-6200 for Watertown.

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