Who should see an allergist for food allergies?

Each person is different, and so no two reactions are the same. Knowing about your body and what specific foods trigger symptoms is your best defense against food allergies.You should seek professional help if you:

• Often have allergy symptoms after eating a certain type of food
• Have symptoms that show up within an hour or two after eating
• Break out in a rash after touching certain foods
• Have a family history of food allergies

Avoiding allergens works best, but there are times where accidents happen, which means that you always need to be prepared.

Minor allergic reactions may cause mild localized hives or itching, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion or itchy mouth.

Severe allergic reactions can cause diffuse hives, tongue swelling, throat tightness or swelling, difficulty breathing, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness. Severe allergic reactions require prompt treatment with epinephrine autoinjectors and may require prompt medical attention as guided by each patient's own food allergy anaphylaxis treatment plan.