Food Allergy in Adults and Children

We are diagnosing and treating food allergies on an increasing number of adult and pediatric patients at Advanced Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Care in our Jupiter and Palm City offices.

Food allergy (FA) is estimated at 5-10% of children worldwide (1) and 8% of children in the United States (2). There are great levels of stress and anxiety that affect patients or parents of children with food allergy. There are emotional, financial and psychosocial impacts associated with food allergies. Food allergies can develop at any time and the allergic reaction can range from mild (oral allergy syndrome which is a localized oropharyngeal pruritus occurring with eating fresh fruits or vegetables in pollen allergic individuals) to moderate and in extreme cases, serious generalized hypersensitivity or ANAPHYLAXIS.

Food allergies are associated with systemic symptoms that may include cutaneous, gastrointestinal,

respiratory, cardiovascular or neurologic. The symptoms may include itching, hives, eye swelling,

abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of bowel control, nasal congestion, throat itching, throat

closing, hoarseness, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, fainting, cardiac

arrest, anxiety, sense of doom or loss of consciousness.

Patients should see an allergist when suspecting any food allergy. Allergy skin tests for food allergies

should be avoided as there is a potential of anaphylaxis associated with skin testing. After a thorough

history and physical exam, we will order appropriate screening laboratory tests to identify any food

allergies. Patients will be instructed on how to avoid suspect foods. An epinephrine autoinjection will be

provided. School forms will be completed for school children with food allergies. Our hope for the future is in the treatment approach of food allergies with epicutaneous or oral immunotherapy but that is still in research and clinical studies.

If you suspect you have a food allergy, please contact Advanced Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Care by

clicking here or call us at (561) 627-6277 for Jupiter or (772) 286-7490 for Palm City.

References

Branum AM, and Lukacs SL. Food allergy among children in the United States. Pediatrics 124:1549-1555, 2009.
Gupta RS, Springston EE, Warrier MR, et al. The prevalence, severity and distribution of childhood food allergy in the United States. Pediatrics 128:e9-e17, 2011.