Did you know that having a food allergy is a potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting around 32 million people in the United States alone? It’s been estimated that every three minutes someone lands in an emergency room because of a food allergy reaction!
Food allergies develop because of an overreaction in the body’s immune to a food protein it thinks is a harmful virus or bacteria. The immune system goes into overdrive to identify and destroy the food protein. Mild reactions might result in hives or minor stomach pain to severe anaphylaxis with a loss of consciousness. The most common food allergies affecting Americans are peanuts and tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, fish and shellfish and wheat.
A food allergy can manifest within minutes to two hours after you eat a problem food by the following symptoms:
-Oral tingling or itching
-Hives, itching or eczema
-Facial or oral swelling along with other areas of the body
-Breathing problems with wheezing and nasal congestion
-Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
-Feeling dizzy, lightheaded and fainting
-Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot. It manifests as airway constriction, going into shock, serious blood pressure drop, rapid pulse, dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Testing for food allergies is a good way to avoid experiencing a serious allergic reaction. Dr. John Abroon offers food allergy tests for patients to maintain health and safety.
-The skin prick test is quick, simple and painless involving putting a drop of liquid food extract onto your skin and then pricking it so the skin can absorb it. If you are allergic to that food, you’ll notice a raised bum within 20 minutes.
-A blood test involves taking a sample of your blood for Dr. Abroon to check for immunoglobulin E, which is the antibody that will trigger allergy symptoms. Test results arrive in two weeks.
-Other food tests that can be done include a trial food-elimination diet monitored by Dr. Abroon.
If you think you have a food allergy, or want to learn more, we invite you to call us to schedule a food allergy testing in New York, New York. Dr. Abroon and our team are here to help you with all of your health needs!