Finding the Cause of Your Food Allergy
Eating the wrong food can cause a severe reaction in some people, making it crucial to seek the appropriate food allergy treatment. Understanding the cause of a food allergy can set you on the path to treating the problem successfully.
Food allergies are a growing concern for Atlanta residents and parents across the country. Today, the number of children suffering from a food allergy is 8%, and awareness of the risk is increasing.
What Causes a Food Allergy
Antibodies are produced by the immune system to protect against bacteria and viruses. The immune system produces chemicals to deal with these threats, preventing infection from spreading throughout the body. With some foods, the proteins they contain can trigger your immune system to incorrectly identify a threat and release chemicals.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are the most common causes of food allergies. The chemicals released will lead to allergic reactions that are usually mild, but can be severe. Common symptoms are swelling and redness of the skin, itchiness, a runny nose and shortness of breath.
More severe cases can result in anaphylaxis, with symptoms of breathing issues, sweating, dizziness and a raised heartbeat. The severity of anaphylaxis highlights the need to properly diagnose a food allergy and find an appropriate treatment.
Foods That Often Cause Allergies
While a vast number of foods can cause allergic reactions, most allergies are related to the following foods.
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
Additionally, many fruits and vegetables can cause allergies, but they are less common offenders than the foods listed above.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Food Allergy
A food allergy can start as a minor inconvenience and gradually become worse. That’s why making an appointment with an allergist is crucial. Your allergist can discuss the triggers of your allergic reaction before conducting food allergy testing. There are three allergy tests most commonly used:
Skin Prick Test – A solution containing a food allergen is placed onto your arm, and the allergist pricks your skin with a needle. The appearance of redness and swelling are signs of an allergy.
Blood Test – Blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for examination. High levels of allergic antibodies indicate a food allergy.
Oral Challenge Test – Small amounts of the food suspected of causing an allergic reaction is consumed in gradually increasing amounts. To detect and respond to possible adverse reactions, the test is conducted under medical supervision.
Start Treating Your Food Allergies Today
If you are concerned about a food allergy, Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center is here to help. From allergy testing to finding the right treatment solution, you and your child are guaranteed first-class service. Make an appointment at one of our food allergy treatment clinics located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call the allergy clinic at 678-668-4688.
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