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Learn more about Food Allergy and Intolerance

If you notice that you are experiencing discomfort, itchiness, or other symptoms after eating a certain food, you may have either a food allergy or intolerance. These are common conditions that affect millions of people today.

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

A food allergy is a reaction to a particular food from your immune system. When you eat a trigger food, your body will release Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, histamine chemicals, and/or other agents to fight against the invading allergen.

Food allergies can be mild, severe, or even life-threatening. Most allergy symptoms develop within a few minutes to a couple of hours after ingesting the trigger food. Common food allergy symptoms include:

  • Tingling/itching in the mouth
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other areas
  • An outbreak of hives, eczema, or a skin rash
  • Nasal congestion
  • Wheezing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness

WHAT IS A FOOD INTOLERANCE?

In contrast to a food allergy, a food intolerance does not involve an immune system reaction. Instead, if you suffer from an intolerance your body has trouble digesting the particular food in question.

Some symptoms of a food intolerance include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Intestinal gas/bloating
  • Diarrhea

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

While food allergies and intolerances share certain symptoms, they are very different with regard to root cause and treatment. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, a trained allergist can perform tests to determine which food (if any) is causing your reaction. There are also tests available to determine whether a patient has a food intolerance, such as elimination diet tests.

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Ready to go home healthier and happier?

Our experienced and caring staff will work with you to determine the best course of action to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition, we offer a variety of services to meet your individual needs, including allergy testing, immunotherapy, and education about allergen avoidance.

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