Get Food Allergy Testing 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 Allergies

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 a food allergy test 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

A food reaction typically occurs within minutes of eating the trigger food, but food allergy symptoms may also appear a few hours later.

Common Food Allergy Symptoms

The most common food allergy symptoms 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 food allergy 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 for Allergies

Skin Testing for Food Allergies

Dr. Cajigal may suggest a skin-prick test for food allergies, where small volumes of food allergens (and controls) are placed on your skin and pricked with a sterile needle. After 20 minutes, the skin is re-examined for any bumps indicating an allergic reaction.

Blood Testing for Food Allergies

A blood test can measure the amount of antibody circulating in the blood in reaction to the specific food allergen of interest. This confirmatory blood testing for food allergies is often used to rule out a suspected allergen if skin testing shows no response.

Elimination Diet for Food Allergies

See a Food Allergy Doctor

in St. Louis, Missouri

Food Allergy Treatment in St. Louis

There are steps you can take to minimize exposure to trigger foods and effectively manage and treat food allergy reactions.

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.

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