Food Allergies

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peanuts
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Most people when asked believe they have allergies to some foods. Some believe they have multiple food allergies. They will describe their reactions in a wide spectrum of symptoms. These include abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms, rash or hives, headache or flushing. Most of the time when people believe they are allergic to a great number of foods, it turns out that their symptoms or rashes are unrelated to true food allergies. If someone is having frequent random “reactions’”, they might assume it was the last thing they ate. It is a logical line of thinking, especially if the reactions appear allergic in nature. However, patients that present with chronic hives, many believe are caused by foods, the true cause is not discovered 85-95% of the time, even after extensive food allergy testing.

There is no medically proven way to treat true food allergies, except avoidance. When true food allergies are discovered, usually the person has just a few and avoidance is possible. Many people have food intolerance to one or more foods. These cause less serious non-allergic reactions to things such as foods, food additives or other ingredients. Sometimes “food allergy” turns out to be gastrointestinal conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or esophageal reflux disease.

The truth is medical science doesn’t have a complete understanding of food allergy in general. We understand IgE mediated allergy very well (i.e. Immediate hives or wheezing after peanut ingestion), and understand that eczema may be worsened by foods. There are also well-described allergic syndromes such as milk-induced colitis in children. However, there are probably other-induced allergic syndromes that have not been scientifically worked out.

If you suspect you have food allergies, it is very important to be tested for true IgE mediated food allergy reactions – it is the only way to know for sure. True IgE mediated food allergies can be dangerous and proper diagnosis is needed to determine what foods to strictly avoid. Unfortunately there are no allergy shots to desensitize to food allergies, they must simply be avoided. If you do not have true food allergies our allergists can give very good advice regarding elimination diets and possible referral to a GI specialist. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

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Our Office Locations


Asthma & Allergy of idaho storefront

Twin Falls, ID

1502 Locust St. Suite 600
Twin Falls, ID 83301

Phone: 208-734-6091
Fax: 208-734-4654

Asthma & Allergy of idaho storefront

Burley, ID

1263 Bennett Avenue Suite 3
Burley, ID 83318

Phone: 208-678-1049
Fax: (208) 678-1070

Asthma & Allergy of idaho storefront

Hailey, ID

408 S. Main Street
Hailey, ID 83333

Phone: 208-788-1886
Fax: 208-734-4654

Asthma & Allergy of idaho elko location

Elko, NV

1250 Lamoille Highway Suite 624
Elko, NV 89801

Phone: 775-753-3945
Fax: (208) 678-1070

Asthma & Allergy of idaho moscow location

Moscow, ID

619 S. Washington St.
Moscow, ID 83843

Phone: 208-665-1552
Fax: 208-665-1558

Asthma & Allergy of idaho ponderay location

Ponderay, ID

30544 Highway 200
Suite 305
Ponderay, ID 83852

Phone: 208-665-1552
Fax: 208-665-1558

Asthma & Allergy of idaho Rexburg location

Rexburg, ID

393 East 2nd North
Rexburg, ID 83440

Phone: 208-360-7357
Fax: 208-734-4654

Asthma & Allergy of idaho Coeur d’Alene location

Coeur d’Alene, ID

714 W. Appleway Ave.
Suite 200
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Phone: 208-665-1552
Fax: 208-665-1558