Find Out if You Have a Food Allergy Once and for All

Virtually everyone will have a negative reaction to something they’ve eaten at some point in their lives. In some cases, that reaction is an allergic reaction. In others, it’s caused by other issues. Knowing which is the case for your reaction could literally be a matter of life and death. That’s why it’s so important to know if you do indeed have a food allergy – and Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group can help. Contact us today at 805-658-9500 for more information.

The most common food allergies in the U.S.

More than 90% of food allergies are caused by the eight most common food allergens:

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

That said, remember that food allergies are actually incredible rare. In fact, fewer than 5% of American have a food allergy. Those who do have a food allergy can have serious reactions, up to and including death. Diagnosis of your allergies is the first step in learning how to manage said allergy, and Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group can help.

Are you dealing with a food intolerance or a food allergy?

It’s common for people to have a food intolerance but believe that it’s an allergy. Both conditions are caused by the immune system being hypersensitive to a specific food, and both conditions can cause very similar symptoms. However, there are symptoms of food allergies that aren’t present in intolerances. Those symptoms specific to allergies including having trouble breathing or swallowing, and swelling of the lip or tongue. Food intolerance is most often caused by a lack of enzymes that is needed to digest specific foods.

The only way to know for sure if you’re dealing with a food intolerance or a food allergy is to get food allergy testing.

Get the help you need

When you work with Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, you can count on comprehensive allergy testing that will help you identify what your food allergies are once and for all. Consider that 30% of children who have a single food allergy actually have numerous food allergies. Consider as well that children who are allergic to certain foods are as much as 4x as likely to have allergic asthma. As you can see, it’s important to have children tested to find triggers so they can avoid the main of a complicated reaction to food.

There is no cure for food allergies. There’s also no medical treatment. However, we can help you learn how to avoid being exposed to foods you’re allergic to and can educate you about how to read food labels. If you’re ready to find out what your allergies are, or what the food allergies of your children are, then it’s time to call Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500.