Get Tested For Food Allergies By A Doctor in St. Louis

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