Food Allergies

More than 32 million people have food allergies in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you suffer uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and hives, board-certified allergist-immunologist Thomas Fowler, MD, provides comprehensive testing and treatment at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina in Prosper, Texas. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find lasting relief from food allergies.

What are food allergies?

Food allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to specific proteins in foods. While allergy symptoms can be mild, some people experience severe responses that can cause skin, respiratory, and digestive problems. Food allergies have no cure, but a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can reduce symptoms and prevent complications.

At Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Dr. Fowler provides comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options to manage food allergies.

What are the most common food allergies?

Food allergies are common in adults and children. While many individuals outgrow food allergies with age, some can persist well into adulthood. Common food allergies in children and adults include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
• Wheat
• Soy

Food allergies can develop at any time. Some adults experience no symptoms during childhood, even though they have allergies. Others become more sensitive to specific allergens (substances that cause allergies) over time.

How do I know if I have food allergies?

Food allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect your skin, respiratory, and digestive systems. While food allergy symptoms can range from person to person, common signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Swollen lips or tongue
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Without proper management, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This severe allergy symptom is life-threatening. Understanding your specific triggers can help you avoid the potentially dangerous consequences of allergies.

What causes food allergies?

There is no single cause of food allergies. However, many factors can influence their development. Common risk factors for food allergies in children and adults include:

• Family history/genetics
• Exposure to certain pollutants, bacteria, and viruses
• Early introduction to solid foods
• Changes in the way food is processed

While contact with certain pathogens and germs can trigger food allergies, so can a lack of exposure.

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Dr. Fowler performs comprehensive testing to diagnose food allergies. Along with a thorough physical exam and medical history review, he may perform a skin prick test and blood work. He may also recommend eliminating particular foods from your diet to identify the suspected allergen.

What are the treatments for food allergies?

Food allergies require a multifaceted approach to care that may include a combination of treatments, such as:

• Avoidance
• Antihistamines
• Epinephrine 
• Oral Immunotherapy for foods (Peanuts, Tree Nuts, etc.)
• Corticosteroids
• Allergy shots

Once Dr. Fowler creates your individualized treatment plan, he monitors your progression and makes adjustments when necessary.

Call Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about food allergies.