Are you dealing with allergy symptoms that never seem to fully go away? If you’re consistently struggling with symptoms after eating certain foods, it’s important to visit an allergist for a food allergy treatment plan. Allergists are integral to successful long-term food allergy care, offering guidance, testing and treatment solutions to patients of all ages. For individuals and families at risk, here’s how an Atlanta allergy doctor can help.
How Allergists Support You With Long-Term Food Allergies
Many people dealing with food allergies have never visited an allergist for testing. However, by working with an allergist, you can access the food allergy care you need to stay healthy and prevent anaphylaxis.
Food Allergy Diagnosis and Testing
To provide effective long-term food allergy care, it’s important to get clarity on the source of allergic reactions. Allergists can diagnose food allergies using skin prick or blood testing, in conjunction with an assessment of a patient’s medical history and symptoms. This process can identify the precise food allergen(s) triggering a response, helping patients avoid unnecessary restrictions by focusing only on foods that are a threat.
Long-Term Food Allergy Treatment Plans
Food allergy treatment plans give patients the tools and strategies they need to minimize risk. While avoidance of the allergen can be a reliable option for helping prevent reactions, it may be difficult without expert guidance. Allergists help by offering advice on how to safely avoid allergens while still maintaining a balanced diet. For some patients, desensitization options such as oral immunotherapy can help families with food allergies. This treatment works by gradually building tolerance to an allergen to reduce the threat of a severe reaction.
Prevent Emergency Reactions
In severe cases, foods such as peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish can trigger anaphylaxis. While relatively rare, a life-threatening reaction of this kind requires an immediate emergency response. Your allergist can prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors to carry with you at all times in case you experience dizziness, a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing and other extreme symptoms.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
Long-term food allergy management involves making everyday lifestyle changes, such as cutting out certain foods and checking ingredients labels. Allergists can also give recommendations for school or workplace, including developing an emergency plan and bringing your own food (until you’re confident in your dietary choices).
Ongoing Food Allergy Management and Monitoring
While some people struggle with moderate or severe food allergies throughout their lives, others may find that their symptoms lessen with age. As food allergies can be unpredictable, you may need professional food allergy testing to confirm your current status. This close understanding of allergy triggers and risk helps patients successfully manage their allergies.
Visit an Atlanta Food Allergist for Dedicated Allergy Treatments
If you’re frequently dealing with the impact of an allergy, contact us today to find out how we can help. We provide comprehensive testing and allergy treatment planning at locations throughout the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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