Food Allergies

Diagnosis and Treatment by an Allergist

Food allergies affect both children and adults and can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening reactions. At AllergySA, our board-certified allergists specialize in accurately diagnosing food allergies and helping patients safely manage their condition so they can live confidently and fully.

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as harmful and triggers an allergic reaction. Unlike food intolerances, food allergies involve the immune system and can cause serious reactions—even from small amounts of the food.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms can vary from person to person and may occur within minutes to a few hours after eating the trigger food.

Common symptoms include:

• Hives, itching, or flushing of the skin
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Nasal congestion or sneezing
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

In some cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Allergists help patients recognize warning signs and develop emergency action plans so they are prepared in the case of an accidental exposure.

Most Common Food Allergens

While any food can cause an allergic reaction, the majority of food allergies are caused by a small group of foods. The most common food allergens include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
• Wheat
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

While most food allergies develop during childhood, allergies can present at any stage of life. Recent data suggests that at least 15 percent of patients with food allergies are diagnosed in adulthood.

Why See an Allergist for Food Allergies?

The diagnosis of food allergy can be complicated. Your allergist will pair a thorough history with appropriate testing to confirm or rule out a true food allergy. The most important aspect of living with food allergy is an accurate diagnosis. Many conditions can mimic food allergy symptoms, and unnecessary food avoidance can affect nutrition and quality of life. Our allergists are specially trained to:

• Confirm whether symptoms are due to a true food allergy
• Identify which foods are safe and which should be avoided
• Reduce anxiety around eating and food exposure
• Help prevent severe allergic reactions

How Allergists Diagnose Food Allergies

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam, focusing on symptoms, timing of reactions, and suspected foods.

Depending on your history, your allergist may recommend:

• Skin prick testing to evaluate immune response to specific foods
• Blood testing to measure allergy-related antibodies
• Supervised oral food challenges, when appropriate

An oral food challenge (OFC) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies and is performed in a controlled medical setting under close supervision by your AllergySA provider and care team. During a food challenge, the patient consumes small, gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen while being carefully monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction.

OFC’s are used to confirm or rule out a true food allergy and to determine whether a patient, most often a child, has outgrown an allergy. Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn they can safely reintroduce certain foods into their diet, gaining confidence and freedom while maintaining safety.

Food Allergy Testing, Treatment and Management

After your AllergySA specialists perform food allergy testing to confirm your diagnosis, an action plan will be discussed and developed. While there is currently no cure for food allergies, allergists provide comprehensive management plans to keep patients safe and improve quality of life. There have been significant advancements in the management of food allergy in the past several years with more therapies on the horizon. Our food allergy specialists are trained in the latest protocols to help keep food-allergic patients safe, and confident.

Allergen Avoidance and Education

Your allergist will help you understand food labels, cross-contamination risks, and strategies for safe eating at home, school, work, and restaurants.

Emergency Action Plans

Patients at risk for severe reactions are prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector or epinephrine nasal spray and taught when and how to use them. Personalized emergency plans are created for patients, families, and caregivers.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Some food allergies, particularly in children, may resolve over time. Regular follow-up allows your provider to reassess allergies and adjust management plans.

Advanced Therapies

In select cases, our allergists may discuss newer treatment approaches designed to reduce reaction risk or improve tolerance, based on the latest advances in allergy care.

In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the biologic Xolair (omalizumab) for IgE mediated food allergy in certain adults and children ages 1 or older. While not a cure, or appropriate for emergency treatment, Xolair is used for the reduction of allergic reactions, including reducing the risk of anaphylaxis which may occur with an accidental exposure to the offending foods. Speak with one of our specialists to see if a biologic therapy is an appropriate treatment for you or your child.

Food Allergy Care for Children and Adults

Allergists care for patients of all ages, supporting families from early childhood through adulthood. We work closely with parents, schools, and caregivers to ensure safety while helping patients maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.