Food Allergy
This page covers food allergy — Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. treats both adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
What Food Allergy Is
A food allergy is a reaction by the immune system to a particular food. The immune system mistakes something in the food for a threat and responds to it, and that response is what causes symptoms.
Reactions can range from mild to severe, and they can vary from one person to the next, and even from one reaction to the next in the same person. Because of that, any reaction to a food is worth having evaluated.
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats food allergy in adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
Symptoms to Watch For
These are common signs of food allergy. If you notice any of these, it's worth having them evaluated.
Hives, itching or swelling of the skin
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing
A reaction that begins soon after eating a particular food
In severe cases, a sudden whole-body reaction
How We Evaluate It
Evaluating a food allergy starts with understanding you as an individual. We use these methods:
A Full History
We start by talking with you about what you ate, what symptoms followed, and how soon they appeared.
A Physical Examination
A hands-on exam helps us understand your symptoms and rule out other causes.
Allergy Skin Testing, Where Relevant
If a food allergy may be involved, we may recommend allergy skin testing to identify triggers.
Blood Testing, Where Appropriate
In some cases, blood testing can help us understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
How We Treat It
Our approach to treating food allergy includes:
Managing Medication
We help you manage medication so you are prepared if a reaction occurs.
Identifying and Avoiding Triggers
We work with you to identify the food or foods involved and how to avoid them.
Allergy Shots, Where Appropriate
When appropriate, allergy shots may be part of your treatment plan.
An Individual Treatment Plan
We build a treatment plan specific to you and review it with you over time.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A little preparation makes your first visit go smoothly.
Plan for a Longer Visit
Your first appointment takes longer than a routine visit, so we can take a full history and get to know you.
Bring Your Insurance Card
Please bring your insurance card, along with any referral your plan requires.
Bring a Medication List
A list of the medications you currently take helps us understand your full picture.
Complete Forms in Advance
You can save time by completing your forms in advance from our Patient Forms page. Visit Patient Forms