Food allergies are the most common in the first year of life. More than 90% of food allergies in children are caused by cow’s milk, hen’s egg, soybean, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Among adults, shellfish, fish, peanut and tree nut allergies are the most common.
Typical symptoms are hives, swelling, itching of the mouth, cough, difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea, vomiting and anaphylaxis. Determination of the possible triggers can help in eliminating exposure.
How do we determine this?
- Perform a thorough history
- Review your previous health history and family history
- Determine potential home and work triggers for symptoms
- Perform a thorough physical exam
- Recommend allergy testing and an oral challenge if indicated
With all of these steps combined, we come up with a thorough plan that works for you. Our main management in food allergies is education about food avoidance and treatment if a reaction occurs.