FOOD ALLERGY
Treatments > Food Allergy
Food Allergy Treatment in Kolkata
Understanding Food Allergies
Food allergies are immune system reactions to specific foods, ranging from mild to severe manifestations affecting various body systems concurrently.
Symptoms of Food Allergy
Symptoms of food allergies can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Itchy skin or raised rash (hives)
- Swelling of lips, face, and eyes (angioedema)
- Respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness
- Nasal symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or congestion
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
Causes and Common Triggers
Food allergies arise when the immune system overreacts to proteins in specific foods. Common allergens include:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Tree nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)
- Shellfish (e.g., prawns, crab, lobster)
- Wheat
Risk Factors
Individuals with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema have a heightened risk of developing food allergies.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Accurate diagnosis by an allergy specialist like Dr. Kallol Paul in Kolkata involves comprehensive evaluation and may include allergy testing after a detailed medical history. This approach ensures precise identification of allergens to guide effective treatment strategies.
Food Allergy Management
Managing food allergies involves strict avoidance of allergenic foods and readiness with emergency medications, as prescribed by the allergist, to manage severe reactions effectively.
Cost of Food Allergy Treatment
Initial consultation and history-taking with Dr. Kallol Paul help streamline the cost of food allergy testing and subsequent treatment, ensuring optimal management and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the typical symptoms of a food allergy?
There are several types of food allergy and it’s symptoms also vary accordingly. Commonly itchy rash, tummy ache, vomiting, loose stool, sneezing, cough, dry skin, are the presenting features. In severe cases anaphylaxis( an extreme level of severe allergy) may happen.
How can one distinguish between a food allergy and food intolerance?
Food allergy is an immunological reaction where a minute amount may cause the symptoms, but in case of food intolerance body’s chemical reaction against a particular food, and here amount is usually much more. Here gastro intestinal ( digestive system) features are mainly seen, not like food allergy, where both digestive system symptoms along with skin and other systematic symptoms may present.
What are the most prevalent food allergens?
Most common foods causing food allergy are –milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish eg. Prawn.
Who is at higher risk of developing food allergies?
Though food allergy is more common in children, Some food allergy decreases once the child getting older, eg milk. But it may happen in any age.
How does an allergy specialist assist in managing food allergies effectively?
An allergist will always ask you about your symptoms, when and how it took place, and several other things. Then he’ll advice for some testeg. CRD, Allergic skin test etc.
So a causative food will be identified and the treatment should be tailored accordingly.
