FOOD ALLERGY TESTING SPECIALISTS
Our relationship with food is a complicated one. We often love food, but it doesn’t always love us back. Adverse reactions to foods are a common experience for many people. There are many reasons why someone may be experiencing a bad reaction to a specific food and our experienced providers will help navigate this complicated relationship. Read below for more information on common food-related conditions.
Common food allergies tested and managed at the Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute:
1. Food Allergy/Anaphylaxis
A serious life-threatening allergic reaction which usually occurs within few seconds or minutes of consuming certain foods. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, hives, itching, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. If not treated appropriately this condition can be life threatening.
2. Oral Allergy Syndrome
Patients typically present with swelling and itching of the mouth and throat after eating certain vegetables and fresh fruits like melons. This is thought to be due a cross-reactivity between common plant pollens and the proteins found in these foods. Symptoms are due to a manifestation of environmental allergies rather than an allergy to the food itself.
3. Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Localized inflammation and swelling of the esophagus due to the consumption of certain foods. Unlike a classic food allergy/anaphylaxis symptoms are often less dramatic and progress over time. The most common symptoms are failure to thrive in early childhood and difficulty swallowing in older children and adults.
4. Celiac Disease
An immune disorder triggered by gluten (a component of wheat and related cereals) in genetically predisposed individuals. This condition may result in malabsorption presenting as chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, rash, and arthritis. Of note, this is a different condition than wheat allergy.
5. Food Associated Atopic Dermatitis
It is well known that certain foods (commonly eggs, peanut, and dairy) can worsen a child’s eczema. However, avoidance is not always the answer. Our team of professionals will help identify the best path forward for condition.
6. Food Protein Induced Enterocolysis Syndrome (FPIES)
As opposed to a classic food allergy, FPIES typically presents in projectile vomiting and low blood pressure several hours after food consumption. Initial presentation usually takes place during the first six months of life.
7. Food Protein Associated Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis during exercise initiated within 3 hours of eating a specific food.
Examples of Food Allergies
1. Anaphylaxis
A child consumes peanut and develops immediate diarrhea, vomiting, wheezing, and full body hives prompting an emergency room visit.
2. Oral Allergy Syndrome
A teenager with significant, seasonal nasal itching, sneezing, and congestion develops an itchy mouth and a sensation of swelling of the throat when eating fresh bananas. If the teen eats banana bread there are no symptoms. The patient is highly allergic to ragweed on allergy testing and negative to banana. The reaction is a cross-reactivity between ragweed and banana.
3. Eosinophilic Disorders
A one-year old child with eczema has not gained weight or grown for six months. A sixteen-year old with seasonal allergies and asthma presents to the E.R. with a fourth episode of food impaction.
4. Gluten Enteropathy
A thirty year old woman with six months of watery, foul smelling stools and weight loss develops a new rash.
5. Food Associated Atopic Dermatitis
An eight month old infant presents with severe persistent dermatitis that improves after mom switches from milk to soy formula.
6. Food Protein Induced Enterocolysis Syndrome (FPIES)
A six-month old is brought to the clinic with vomiting, pallor, and listlessness three hours after eating rice cereal for the first time.
7. FOOD PROTEIN ASSOCIATED EXERCISE INDUCED ANAPHYLAXIS
A tri-athlete eats celery before beginning a fifty mile bike ride. Within fifteen minutes of the ride, the patient develops full body hives, wheezing and becomes light headed. The next day the patient eats celery without difficulty. Two days later the tri-athlete begins a ten mile run without problems. One week later the tri-athlete eats celery and peanut butter and then starts a swim. Ten minutes into the swim, the athlete develops full body hives, swelling of the throat and light headedness.
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM A FOOD ALLERGY OR FOOD INTOLERANCE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR NEAREST OFFICE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING.
The Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute’s Board-Certified Allergists / Immunologists use the most current methods to diagnose, manage and test for food allergies, including:
- Food allergy skin testing
- Blood tests
- Oral Challenges
- Pharmacologic Management
- Extensive Patient Education Resources
Interested in making an appointment for food sensitivity testing? With allergy testing locations all across the Phoenix Valley, you can find a location that’s convenient for you.
