There are more than 33 million people in the U.S. with a food allergy, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education. Not only can living with this kind of allergy be frustrating, but it can also make activities such as dining in a restaurant or even going to school potentially life-threatening, depending on the severity. At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment of food allergies to help patients with food allergies in Henrico, Richmond and the surrounding communities to live safely and confidently.
What Is A Food Allergy?
Patients with a food allergy experience an immune response after eating or being exposed to a specific food. This happens because the immune system perceives something in the food as a threat and overreacts because of it. The resulting symptoms from the reaction are known as an allergic reaction.
Are Food Intolerances The Same As Allergies?
They are not! It’s easy to confuse the two because the symptoms can be similar. However, they are different conditions. While food allergies involve an immune response, food intolerances only affect your digestion and cause less serious symptoms. This is why allergy testing is so important, so you can know if your symptoms indicate a true allergy.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of A Food Allergy?
The job of your immune system is to identify and eliminate harmful bacteria that is introduced to the body. People with a food allergy can experience a range of reactions, from minor to very serious. Because reactions can be life threatening, it’s always important to take your own or other people’s allergies seriously. Symptoms include:
What Are The Top Food Allergies?
While you can have an allergy to any food, there are some that are more common to be allergic to than others. The nine most commonly occurring food allergies include:
Some less common foods that you may be allergic to are:
How To Test For Food Allergies
Before we can accurately treat your allergy, our allergy team will perform a thorough evaluation that includes allergy testing from the comfort and convenience of our Henrico, VA office. First, we’ll discuss your symptoms and history to determine if allergy testing is necessary.
Despite what you may think, the severity of your reaction to allergy testing does not necessarily mean that you have an allergy. Your RAAS allergist will use your medical history, symptoms and test results to determine if you have a food allergy or allergy. Testing methods include:
Food Allergy Treatment In Richmond, VA
If you are diagnosed with an allergy to food, we may recommend oral immunotherapy (OIT), if appropriate. This targeted treatment helps build your immune system’s tolerance to an allergen by gradually introducing it in small amounts. OIT is taken orally in the form of a pill or a drop, making it an easy, pain-free and safe way to undergo allergy treatment.
FAQs About Food Allergies
At RAAS, we help guide our patients to make informed choices about their allergy care. We’ll help identify your allergies and put together a comprehensive plan on how to effectively treat them. Before you come and see us, we recommend reading through the frequently asked questions below.
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