Food Allergies

If you suspect you or a loved one has a food allergy, see the experts at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio and Schertz, Texas. The highly trained team diagnoses and treats food allergies to reduce bothersome, even life-threatening, allergic reactions. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What are food allergies?

Food allergies are your body’s reaction to exposure to certain foods. While such foods may not be bothersome for other people, you might experience troublesome symptoms after consuming common allergy-causing foods or drinks. You can have one food allergy or multiple. 

Treatment can minimize or eliminate symptoms to improve your quality of life and eliminate the risk of life-threatening problems. 

What are common food allergens?

Common food allergens for children and adults include:

• Wheat
• Soy
• Milk
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

About 90% of allergic reactions in children stem from eating these foods. Your body may react to more than one type of food allergen. 

What are the symptoms of food allergies?

If you or your child has a food allergy, the following symptoms may develop after consuming it:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Facial or throat swelling
• Hives
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting 
• Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may turn life-threatening. It’s often characterized by shortness of breath, dizziness, or even a loss of consciousness. If you or your child experience its symptoms, call 911.

Can a food allergy cause eosinophilic esophagitis?

Food allergies are a complex cause of a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis in children and a probable risk factor for adult eosinophilic esophagitis. The condition is associated with increases in white blood cells and an inflamed, narrowed, malfunctioning esophagus.

Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger may provide an endoscopy and biopsy of your esophagus for further screening.

How are food allergies diagnosed?

To determine which allergy tests best suit you, the experts at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger discuss your medical history, typical diet, and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and ask about your lifestyle, medications, and personal and family history of allergies.

Blood testing
Diagnosing food allergies may consist of a blood test, including the uKnow Peanut Test for peanut allergies, to help detect specific antibodies.

Skin prick tests
Skin prick tests use tiny needles to prick the skin with potential allergens. That allows your allergist to look for signs of hives (allergic reactions) on your skin.

Patch testing
The team may have you or your child complete food patch testing, a type of allergy test that exposes the skin to small amounts of potential food allergens for 48 hours. An allergist examines your skin for signs of an allergic reaction after a period of 72 hours.

Food challenge
During a food challenge, you consume small amounts of potential food allergens in the presence of your allergist to determine if specific foods cause an allergic reaction. 

How are food allergies treated?

Treating food allergies may consist of avoiding food allergens, carrying an epinephrine pen (EpiPen®) in case of a severe allergic reaction, or immunotherapy. During immunotherapy, you or your child is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of an allergen, allowing the body to overcome problematic symptoms over time. 

Schedule an evaluation at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger by phone or online today to be tested and treated for food allergies.