It is highly likely that you or people you know are suffering from a food allergy. In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that in 2014, 5.4 percent of US children under age 18 had food allergies. Plus, at any given time, around 4% of adults experience food allergies, as reported by CBS News. Sadly, many food allergies are undiagnosed, and an allergic person is putting themselves at risk of a severe reaction. Atlanta-area allergy sufferers can reduce their risks by understanding what food allergies are and how to treat them.
What Is a Food Allergy?
Your immune system protects you by fighting viruses and bacteria that enter your system. But food allergies occur when your immune system incorrectly identifies a certain food as a threat and releases chemicals to combat it. The result can be swelling around the mouth and lips, a runny nose, lightheadedness and even anaphylaxis.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody most commonly associated with food allergies. IgE-mediated food allergies occur almost immediately after consuming one of the following foods:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
Getting an accurate diagnosis allows your allergist to treat the food allergy effectively. A diagnosis will also distinguish whether you have an allergy or food intolerance.
What Is a Food Intolerance?
A food intolerance actually differs from a food allergy, as the immune system is not responsible for any symptoms. In most cases, problems with the digestive system will be the cause of symptoms such as a runny nose, stomach pains, bloating and sickness. Importantly, food intolerance is not life-threatening like a food allergy could be – and also, being “intolerant” is a more common condition. It is of absolute importance to get a diagnosis from a medical professional to determine whether you have a food allergy, a food intolerance, or another condition.
How Do You Treat a Food Allergy?
Many food allergy symptoms are mild, and those affected might never seek a consultation with an allergist. But allergies are not predictable, and in the future a mild reaction might become a severe reaction. While avoiding the allergic food is a natural first step to preventing a reaction, it is not a strategy that will allow you to eat comfortably – without the fear of a negative immune system response. In considering long-term treatment, the best approach here is immunotherapy or oral immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy – A patient receives allergy shots over the course of around a year. The immune system becomes desensitized to the presence of the allergic food and stops reacting.
Oral Immunotherapy – Oral immunotherapy also helps the body build a tolerance to the allergens in the food. A patient consumes small amounts of the allergic food with a gradual portion increase over time.
Start Treating Your Food Allergies
Food allergies can lead to severe allergic reactions if left untreated. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center can diagnose an allergy and find the best treatment to prevent negative impacts on your dietary habits and lifestyle. Make an appointment at one of our allergy treatment center locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek by requesting an appointment online, or call us at 678-668-4688.