Food Allergies
Navigate Your Allergies with Expert Care
Your Personalized Path to Allergy Freedom Begins Here
Welcome to our Food Allergy Treatment Center in Illinois, where we prioritize your well-being in everything we do. Specializing in a wide range of food, chemical, drug, and insect allergies, our dedicated team is here to help you find relief and effectively manage your condition. Whether you're facing food intolerances, drug or venom allergies, or contact dermatitis, our experienced allergists will provide a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. We're committed to helping you understand and manage your allergies, allowing you to live without constant worry.
Food Allergy Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
At Asthma, Allergy and Sinus Center we offer a wide range of services for a variety of allergies and related conditions, including:
Food Allergies: Food allergies occur when your immune system wrongly identifies a certain food as harmful and launches an unnecessary response. Common food allergies include those to peanuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild reactions like itching or hives, to severe ones like anaphylaxis. Managing a food allergy usually involves strict avoidance of the allergen and having emergency medication available, such as an auto-injectable epinephrine.
Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It often causes breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom, and latex. Prompt administration of epinephrine is crucial during an anaphylactic reaction.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune system disease where a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) builds up in the lining of the esophagus. This build-up, often triggered by foods such as milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, causes inflammation and can lead to difficulties in swallowing and food getting stuck. Management typically involves dietary changes and medication to reduce eosinophils in the esophagus.
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): FPIES is a severe condition causing inflammation of the stomach and small intestine in response to ingesting certain foods. Common triggers are milk and soy, but any food can cause FPIES. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Management usually involves identifying and avoiding trigger foods.
Food Intolerances: Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, food intolerances generally occur when your body cannot properly digest a certain food. Lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity are common examples. Symptoms can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Management typically involves avoiding or reducing intake of problematic foods.
Drug Allergies: Drug Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a medication. Symptoms can range from mild (like a rash) to severe (anaphylaxis). Common medications that cause allergic reactions include penicillin and related antibiotics. If you have a drug allergy, alternative medications are usually identified and used.
Our team uses the latest diagnostic techniques and treatments to manage your allergies, including:
- Food, oral immunotherapy and desensitisation: A progressive dosage of real food to increase the threshold of tolerated doses
- Food Challenges: A procedure used to definitively diagnose or rule out a food allergy.
- Drug Challenges: A tool used to confirm or dismiss drug allergies under close supervision.
- Venom Allergy Immunotherapy: Also known as desensitization, this therapy aims to reduce your sensitivity to insect venom.
- Aspirin Challenges and Aspirin Desensitization: These services help determine if you're allergic to aspirin and, if so, reduce your sensitivity.
- Atopy Patch Test: A diagnostic tool used to identify substances causing skin allergies.
- Surgical Metal Panel Patch Test: This test identifies whether you're allergic to certain metals, which is crucial information for anyone planning to undergo surgery.
Experience the Relief of Personalized Allergy Care
At Allergy Treatment Center, we believe everyone deserves to live life unburdened by allergies. We're here to provide the personalized care and support you need to navigate your allergies and live a fuller, healthier life.
It’s time to stop letting allergies rule your life. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Our team is ready and eager to guide you on your journey to allergy freedom. Let's take this step towards a healthier and more comfortable life together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do food challenges and drug challenges help diagnose allergies?
Food challenges and drug challenges are procedures used to definitively diagnose or rule out food and drug allergies, respectively, under close supervision.
What are some common examples of food intolerances, and how are they managed?
Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity, occur when the body cannot properly digest certain foods. Management typically involves avoiding or reducing intake of problematic foods.
What is anaphylaxis, and how should it be treated?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It requires immediate treatment with epinephrine to prevent further complications.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
A food allergy triggers an immune system response, potentially leading to severe reactions like anaphylaxis, while a food intolerance affects the digestive system and is usually less serious. Allergies require strict avoidance of the trigger, while intolerances may be managed by adjusting portion sizes.
How are drug allergies diagnosed, and what are the treatment options?
Drug allergies are diagnosed through medical history, skin testing, and drug challenges. Treatment typically involves discontinuing the medication and, in case of an allergic reaction, administering antihistamines or epinephrine for severe cases.
Can allergies develop later in life, and how are they managed?
Yes, allergies can develop at any age. New allergies are managed through diagnosis by an allergist, identification of the trigger, and creating a personalized treatment plan that may include avoidance and medications like antihistamines or epinephrine.