Food Allergy Treatment In Houston, Texas
Do you need to carry self-injectable epinephrine for your symptoms?
Food allergies affect 4-6% of children and 4% of adults. They are most common in young children. But allergies to food can appear at any age and to any food.
There are eight types of foods responsible for 90% of all reactions. These are milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
Symptoms of food allergy can be unpredictable. They vary from mild to severe. They can also vary each time there is a reaction.
The most severe allergy symptom is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening whole-body reaction that can cause breathing problems, affect heart rate and cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. This reaction can happen within seconds, minutes or hours of exposure to the trigger food. It must be treated quickly with an injection of epinephrine.
Many adults with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) experience oral allergy syndrome. This is a type of food allergy. It causes itching and swelling in the mouth. Oral allergy syndrome occurs because some plants contain similar proteins. These proteins cross react. An example is someone with ragweed allergy having a reaction when they eat any kind of melon.
Many people who have allergic symptoms to certain foods have food intolerance rather than food allergy. Food intolerance is generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems. An allergist can help you understand the difference.
When a baby is introduced to formula or food that contains cow’s milk, soy or grain, they may develop allergies. Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) can be severe. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even shock due to severe dehydration.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition where certain foods cause swelling of the throat. Young children usually complain of recurrent abdominal pain or vomiting. Teenagers and adults most often have difficulty swallowing. A doctor can tell if you have EoE by looking at the throat with a camera and taking a bit of the tissue. Allergists and other doctors work together to help these patients.
For more information or to contact The Woodlands Allergy Center directly and set up and appointment call 281.713.9011