Food allergies can affect people of all ages and often lead to sudden and severe reactions. Reliable food allergy treatment offers protection by helping prevent life-threatening situations after exposure. While testing and ongoing management are important for anyone with an allergy, when your reactions are severe they are vital. If you’re worried about possible symptoms, here are the key ways an Atlanta allergy specialist can help.
Top Ways Allergists Support Patients With Severe Food Allergies
Anyone experiencing a severe reaction to eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish and other foods should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Following emergency care, you can follow up with an allergy specialist for comprehensive testing and treatment planning.
Accurately Diagnose Severe Food Allergies
To successfully manage a food allergy, it’s important that you first understand the exact allergen (or allergens) responsible for the severe reactions. Allergy specialists follow a comprehensive food allergy testing process; it involves taking a detailed medical and family history to understand patterns of reactions, while also assessing a patient’s reported symptoms. Next, skin prick or blood testing is conducted to see how a person responds to small amounts of the allergen under medical supervision.
Develop a Food Allergy Management Plan
With a diagnosis, your allergy specialist can provide a food allergy management plan to prevent anaphylaxis. An important first step is to avoid exposure to the allergen, including the trace amounts that may feature in sauces and restaurant dishes. For children, informing the school of a severe allergy is key to preventing accidental exposure. The results of food allergy testing will help you avoid specific foods, without being unnecessarily restrictive with your diet.
Prepare Patients for Emergencies
Severe food allergies can be life-threatening and require a fast response when the immune system overreacts. By carrying epinephrine auto-injectors, you can take instant action at the first signs of anaphylaxis. Allergists train patients and family members on what food allergy symptoms look like, and what to do in an emergency, including using the epinephrine auto-injector.
Provide Nutritional Guidance for Allergy Safety
Severe food allergies require patients to take a more cautious approach around problem foods. To stay safe, it’s important to read food labels for signs of allergens, and ask about allergies at restaurants. With knowledge and understanding, you can maintain a balanced diet without putting your health at risk.
Treat Severe Food Allergies With Oral Immunotherapy
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) can be an effective allergy treatment approach for patients with severe responses. The treatment works by gradually introducing small amounts of an allergen to train the immune system to build tolerance. After a diagnosis, patients can discuss whether they are a suitable candidate for OIT with their allergy specialist.
Trusted Allergy Specialists Treating Severe Food Allergies
If you or your child experiences severe symptoms after consuming food of any kind, visit Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for support. We provide expert testing and treatment at centers in the Atlanta area. Give us a call at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
