Food allergies can lead to unpleasant or dangerous side effects for your or your child. If you suspect a food allergy, board-certified adult and pediatric allergy and immunology physician Viviana Sirven, MD, and her experienced team offer food allergy testing at Sirven & Associates Allergy and Asthma Center in Miami, Florida. They identify foods you’re allergic to and develop an effective treatment plan. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online for food allergy testing today.
A food allergy is your immune system’s reaction to eating certain foods. Food allergies affect about 6%-8% of children under age 3 and about 3% of adults. Avoiding foods that cause reactions or immunotherapy can reduce unpleasant and dangerous symptoms associated with food allergies.
If you or your child has a food allergy, you might notice the following symptoms within a few minutes to a few hours after eating certain foods:
In the case of a severe allergic reaction, you might experience a rapid pulse, tightening of the airways, throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or even loss of consciousness. Immediate, emergency treatment is sometimes necessary.
Young children are most likely to have food allergies. Other risk factors include a family history of food allergies and having other types of allergies or asthma. Children sometimes outgrow food allergies.
Some foods are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. Examples include:
Read nutrition labels to identify food products containing potential allergens.
To find out which food you or your child is allergic to, Dr. Sirven and her team review the symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and might recommend a skin test, blood test, elimination diet, or in-office food tests.
After diagnosing food allergies, the Sirven & Associates Allergy and Asthma Center team might recommend:
Avoiding contact with foods you’re allergic to is an effective way to reduce unpleasant symptoms. Your provider works with you to identify hidden allergens in certain food products.
Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications can reduce reactions associated with food allergies. Dr. Sirven lets you know which medicines are right for you or your child.
Emergency epinephrine is an injectable medication that can save you or your child’s life in case of a severe allergic reaction.
Exposure to small doses of foods you’re allergic to over time helps you or your child build up a tolerance to food allergens.
In certain instances, Dr. Sirven and her team might recommend early exposure to potential food allergens in high-risk infants to reduce their risk of developing food allergies.
Don’t live with unpleasant or life-threatening symptoms associated with food allergies when simple treatment options are available at Sirven & Associates Allergy and Asthma Center. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.