Food Allergy

Food Allergies at Freedom Allergy

What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Reactions can range from mild symptoms, like hives or stomach upset, to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Common food allergens include:

• Peanuts and tree nuts

• Milk and eggs

• Shellfish and fish

• Wheat and soy

• Sesame

Food allergies affect both children and adults, and proper diagnosis and management are essential to prevent serious reactions.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy reactions can occur minutes to hours after ingestion and may include:

• Hives, redness, or swelling of the skin

• Itching or tingling in the mouth

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Runny nose, sneezing, or congestion

• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing

• Anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction

How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?

At Freedom Allergy, we offer comprehensive testing to identify food allergies safely and accurately:

• Skin Prick Testing (SPT): A quick test that detects IgE-mediated reactions to specific foods.

• Blood Testing (sIgE/Allergen-Specific IgE): Measures antibodies to allergens, ideal for patients who cannot undergo skin testing.

• Oral Food Challenges (OFC): Conducted in-office to confirm or rule out allergies under strict medical supervision.

We combine test results with your medical history and symptom patterns to create a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Food Allergies

While strict avoidance of allergens remains the cornerstone of management, Freedom Allergy offers advanced treatments for patients:

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

• Gradually introduces small amounts of the allergenic food to desensitize the immune system.

• Helps reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure.

• Typically starts in-office under close monitoring and continues at home following a personalized plan.

Emergency Preparedness

• Patients are prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors for at-home emergencies.

• We provide individualized allergy action plans for home, school, and travel.

Nutritional Guidance and Support

• Safe substitution strategies to maintain a balanced diet.

• Counseling for children and families to prevent accidental exposures.

Why Choose Freedom Allergy for Food Allergies?

• Board-certified allergists with expertise in pediatric and adult food allergies

• Access to cutting-edge treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

• Comprehensive testing and personalized care plans

• Focus on safety, education, and quality of life for patients and families

• Proven experience managing severe and multiple food allergies