“Allergy” is one of those generic words that is easy to throw around. The early stages of a viral infection might make you think you’re experiencing seasonal allergies; a stomach bug might seem like an allergic reaction to a certain food.
In fact, at one time or another, most of us have claimed we have a food allergy simply to avoid eating something we didn’t want to eat. Maybe you don’t want to admit you’re trying to lose weight and you refuse a fattening food by claiming you’re allergic to it. Or you just plain hate something that an enthusiastic host is trying to feed you. “Sorry, no thank you, I’m allergic to garlic!”
In truth, many of us do suffer from food allergies and can experience symptoms that range from mild discomfort – stomach ache, slight swelling of tongue or lips, even hives – to reactions that can be life-threatening, such as difficulty breathing.
We may be highly aware of the fact that children can suffer from food allergies, and schools, day care and parents have been put on high alert as a result. The truth is, however, adults can also have all range of food allergies and reactions.
Any food can cause an allergic reaction if it, or ingredients in the food, cause you to have an unusual reaction. But here are some of the usual suspects when it comes to adult and child food allergies:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Soybeans
- Gluten
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose a true food allergy. That’s why, if you suspect you have one, you should meet with an Allergy and Asthma specialists at Advanced Specialty Care. We can diagnose allergies using a combination of medical evaluation, skin tests and elimination diets – and give you a plan for managing your condition. The good news is, not all uncomfortable reactions to food mean you have an allergy; you may be hypersensitive or intolerant of certain foods or ingredients and will need strategies for avoiding them. So call us today for an appointment Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk or Ridgefield at 203-830-4700.