Treatment for Food Allergy Symptoms in Texas

Did you know more than 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergies? According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies affect 4-6% of children and 4% of adults. These are commonly seen in children and babies but can appear at any age. If you feel that after eating a certain food, you also develop some kind of allergy, then it’s time to determine the source and assess your symptoms. If you live in Texas and are suffering from any sort of food allergies, you should contact Dr. Long to evaluate the symptoms and get the right treatment.

What are Food Allergies?

Food allergies are a reaction by your immune system after eating a specific food. If you eat any food that doesn’t suit you, it can trigger signs like hives, swollen airways, and digestive problems. However, many people confuse these allergies with food intolerance. In a nutshell, food intolerance is a less severe condition where the immune system is not involved and allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. 

What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?

While allergies are sometimes inherited from parents, according to research, often when an elder child has a peanut allergy, the younger sibling will also be allergic to peanut. The symptoms of food allergies can be mild or severe. However, if not treated on time, mild allergies can also become severe as time goes by. Below are the most common food allergy symptoms. 

  • Wheezing
  • Repeated Cough
  • Hives
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Weak Pulse
  • Feeling faint
  • Hoarse throat, trouble swallowing
  • Swelling of the tongue. 
  • Blue or pale coloring of the skin
  • Dizziness
  • Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. 
  • Vomiting and stomach cramps
  • Circulatory collapse or shock

Delayed food allergy reaction

The symptoms of a food allergy can be seen within two hours of ingestion. However, in rare cases, the reaction can be delayed by 4-6 hours. Delayed reactions seem common in children suffering from eczema, and adults with an allergy to red meat.

Another delayed food allergy reaction is from FPIES, which is Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. This is a serious gastrointestinal reaction that occurs 2-6 hours after consuming certain grains, soy, consuming milk and other foods. It is commonly seen in infants who are being weaned or consume these foods for the first time. 

If you are looking for an allergist near me in Texas, you can visit Dr. Long. You can visit his clinic in Temple or Harker Heights by calling on 254-773-8916 or (254) 432-5945. Dr. Long specializes in skin, inhalant, and food allergies diagnosis as well. 

What Triggers the symptoms of Food Allergies?

In children, there are food items that trigger these allergies. These are:

  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Milk

In adults, these triggering food items are:

  • Fish and shellfish
  • Tree nuts and peanuts
  • Vegetables and fruit pollen

However, food allergy varies from person to person. Other than the above-mentioned items, a food allergy can happen to anyone and from any food item.

If you or your child find the above symptoms by eating any sort of food, then book your consultation with Dr. Long as soon as you can. He will help you recognize the early signs and also provide the best treatment. You can visit his clinics in Temple Texas and Harker Heights Texas.

Diagnoses of Food Allergy by Dr. Long

Before making a diagnosis, Dr. Long will consider several factors like your symptoms and family history of allergies. Based on these, he will perform a physical examination through a blood test known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) and a skin test. 

Evaluation and Treatment

After you are diagnosed with a food allergy, Dr. Long will perform skin and blood testing. These tests play a crucial role in finding out the type of allergy you have and from which food item. Based on that, your treatment will be carried out. If you find any signs of allergies after eating specific food items, contact Harker Heights & Temple Allergy and Asthma Clinics. 

Dr. Long and his team have years of experience in providing treatment for food and other sorts of allergies. The friendly and helpful staff offers you customized treatment according to your condition. 

Book a consultation today!

Temple Texas Allergy Clinic: 254-773-8916

Harker Heights Allergy Clinic: (254) 432-5945