Types of Food Allergies

Food Allergies

Allergies are caused by a reaction in the immune system to a foreign substance, and allergies can result in a variety of effects that range from mild to severe. Most allergies cause minor reactions from the release of chemicals like histamines, but some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Whether you suspect you have a mild food allergy or a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis, you should take your concerns to an experienced allergist, so that you can better manage your allergic disorder. Dr. Hadjiev is one of New York City’s top allergists, and can help you with diagnosis and treatment of all allergies, including food allergies.

Food allergies are diagnosed by eliminating certain foods from your diet, and keeping a record of your symptoms. As you slowly add foods back into your diet, any symptoms are recorded. You may also undergo skin testing, which is performed by an allergist who will inject a potentially allergenic substance under your skin. If the skin becomes red or inflamed, you may be allergic to that substance. Finally, an allergist can determine the presence of antibodies to allergic substances in your blood. Antibodies cause allergic reactions.

Allergies are easily treated in many cases by avoiding the food that causes an allergic reaction. In fact, in some cases, this is mandatory, particularly in cases where a particular food causes a life-threatening reaction. Medications are available to prevent allergic reactions, and, for people who may have a life-threatening response to certain foods.

Common Food Allergies

Some common food allergies include peanuts, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, and eggs. Whatever your food allergy, treatment is available at Hadjiev, NYC’s leading allergist. Food allergies may affect 4% of adults in America, and 4% to 6% of children, according to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ninety percent of all allergic reactions to food occur as a result of exposure to one of the following eight types of food:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Soy
• Wheat

Symptoms of a food allergy may include vomiting or cramps, shortness of breath or wheezing, a cough, difficulty swallowing, a tight throat or hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, shock or circulatory collapse, a weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness and hives. If you have a food allergy, your symptoms will usually occur within a couple of hours after eating, but in severe cases, symptoms may begin moments after exposure.

Food allergies can affect your quality of life, and severe food allergies can result in death. If you have suspicions that you suffer from a food allergy, you should call us today at 212-319-5282 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Hadjiev, one of New York City’s leading allergists.