Don’t Let Food Allergies Hold You Back!
Get Tested For Food Allergies By A Doctor in St. Louis
Are you wondering how to get tested for food allergies in St. Louis, Missouri? Dr. Sonia Cajigal is a board-certified food allergy doctor in St. Louis, Missouri that can help you overcome food allergies with food allergy testing and treatment. Contact us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about food allergy testing, management techniques, and treatment options for you and your children in St. Louis!
“Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma.”
– Sue D, July 2020
About Food Allergies
Food Allergy Symptoms
Food Allergy Testing
Food Allergy Treatment
A food allergy reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Food allergies are most often diagnosed in young children, but they can also present for the first time in older children and adults.
Common Food Allergens
The most common food allergies are:
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soy
- Cow’s Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree Nuts
- Sesame
Sometimes other allergies, such as pollen allergies, can appear as food allergies because foods contain proteins that are similar to the thing that you’re actually allergic to. For example, if you are allergic to birch tree pollen, you may have reactions triggered by peaches, pears, kiwi, cherries, apples, plum, coriander, parsley, fennel, celery, and carrots. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen fruit syndrome (PFS).
Every case of food allergies is unique and nuanced, which is why it’s important to get tested and get to the bottom of what you’re allergic to. A food allergy reaction can be life-threatening, so individuals with food allergies must be very aware of exposure and be very careful to avoid food triggers. It is also possible that you or your child’s reaction to a certain food is actually an intolerance and not an allergy, though the symptoms can be similar. In either case, proper testing by an allergist is the only way to know for sure what you’re dealing with and how to most effectively navigate it. If you suspect a food allergy and wondering how to get tested for food allergies, contact us today to discuss your concerns!
See a Food Allergy Doctor
in St. Louis, Missouri
Food Allergy Symptoms
Common Food Allergy Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a food allergy reaction are:
- Hives or red itchy skin
- Swelling (also called angioedema)
- Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, or itchy teary eyes
- Vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
If you observe these symptoms in yourself or your children following a meal, it’s important to record what foods were involved, what symptoms occurred, and what you did to resolve them. This information will help Dr. Cajigal diagnose your case and put you on the most effective treatment course.
Most food allergy reactions are self-limiting, meaning that they resolve on their own in a matter of hours.
Severe Food Allergy Symptoms
- Throat tightening or a lump in the throat
- Wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- Hoarseness
- Tingling in the lips, hands, feet, or scalp
If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
See a Food Allergy Doctor
in St. Louis, Missouri
Food Allergy Testing St. Louis
The first step to overcoming food allergies is to receive a proper diagnosis from a food allergy doctor. Dr. Cajigal will help you identify the foods you’re allergic to using a combination of your medical history and the food allergy testing methods available in St. Louis below.
Food Challenges
Skin Testing for Food Allergies
Blood Testing for Food Allergies
Elimination Diet
See a Food Allergy Doctor
in St. Louis, Missouri
Food Allergy Treatment in St. Louis
Avoid Trigger Foods
Have an Action Plan
Antihistamines for Mild Reactions
EpiPens for Severe Reactions
Oral Immunotherapy
We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about food allergies and how to most effectively manage them! We’re looking forward to your visit.
References
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
Asthma
Drug Allergies
Eye Allergies
Food Allergies
Nasal Allergies
Skin Allergies
Allergy Shots
Allergy Testing
Biologic Therapy
Food Allergist
Dr. Sonia Cajigal
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