Food Allergies

Did you know that about 200,000 Americans have allergic reactions to food each year? If you suffer from food allergies, you can rely on the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates for help. They provide testing to identify the source of your food allergies and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to prevent allergic reactions and even life-threatening complications. Call today to schedule a consultation at an office nearest you in Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, or Arvada, Colorado. You can also book online.

What are food allergies?

Food allergies occur when your immune system reacts negatively to certain proteins found in specific foods. When you have a food allergy, consuming even a tiny amount of the allergenic food can trigger an immune response, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications. The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team has the expertise and experience to diagnose and help manage your food allergies, providing you with exceptional care and support.

What reactions do food allergies cause?

Food allergies can cause a variety of reactions throughout your body. The mild to severe reactions may include:

• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

They can even cause anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. 

Food allergies can develop at any age, and even a previously tolerated food may suddenly trigger an allergic reaction.

What are common foods that cause food allergies?

Several common foods are known to cause food allergies. These include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (i.e., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• Shellfish
• Fish 
• Eggs
• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat
• Sesame
• Certain fruits

However, any food has the potential to be an allergen, and individual reactions can vary.

How does someone test for food allergies?

The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team may use various methods to test for food allergies. They start by conducting a thorough medical history and physical examination. 

In some cases, they may recommend allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, to identify specific food allergens. These tests can help determine the foods that trigger your allergies and guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

How are food allergies treated?

The treatment of food allergies primarily involves strict avoidance of allergenic foods. Your provider gives you detailed guidance on how to read food labels, identify hidden allergens, and make safe food choices. They may also recommend working with a registered dietitian to ensure your diet remains balanced and nutritionally adequate.

Xolair (omalizumab), a trusted medication with over 20 years of long-term safety data for asthma, hives, and nasal polyps, has now been approved for treating food allergies! The OUTMATCH studies have shown increased tolerance to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more!

In cases where accidental exposure to allergenic foods occurs or for individuals with severe food allergies, your allergist may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector. This device delivers a dose of epinephrine, a life-saving medication, to quickly counteract the allergic reaction in emergency situations.

To learn more, reach out to Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates today to schedule an appointment by phone or online.