Food Allergy Doctors & Food Allergy Testing in Atlanta, GA

Board-Certified Food Allergy Specialists in the Atlanta Metro Area

Our expert team at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia specializes in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of several types of allergies including diagnosing and treating food allergies. Our allergy doctors recognize that food allergies may manifest early in life, or develop during adulthood, often causing sudden and severe symptoms that demand prompt attention. Learn more about common and uncommon allergens and treatments below, or schedule an appointment with one of our food allergy doctors today.

What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful invaders. This overreaction can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Unlike food intolerances, which primarily affect digestion, food allergies trigger the immune system, making them potentially more dangerous.

Most Common Food Allergens

Certain foods are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. The most common culprits include:

• Peanuts: One of the most prevalent and potentially severe food allergens.
• Tree Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and other nuts can cause serious allergic reactions.
• Milk: Dairy products are a common source of allergies, especially in children.
• Eggs: Both the white and yolk can trigger allergic responses.
• Fish: Allergies to fish like salmon, tuna, and cod are common in adults.
• Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, and lobster.
• Soy: Found in many processed foods, soy is a common allergen.
• Wheat: Allergies to wheat and related grains are often confused with gluten intolerance.
• Sesame: the most recent addition to the list of most common food allergens.

Common Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the severity of the reaction. Here are the common symptoms you may experience:

• Skin Reactions: Hives, also known as urticaria, present as red, itchy welts on the skin. These welts can vary in size and sometimes merge together, forming larger areas of swelling. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition marked by itchy, inflamed, and often scaly patches. This condition can worsen with exposure to allergens. Angioedema is characterized by swelling beneath the skin, typically around the eyes and lips, but it can also affect the hands, feet, and throat.
• Digestive Issues: Allergic reactions can also cause digestive issues. Nausea, a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit, can occur shortly after consuming an allergen. Vomiting, the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, may happen immediately or be delayed after allergen exposure. Diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery stools, is another common symptom when the digestive system is affected by an allergen. Additionally, stomach pain, which includes cramping or discomfort in the abdomen, can range from mild to severe.
• Respiratory Problems: Respiratory issues are common during allergic reactions. Frequent sneezing occurs as the body attempts to expel the allergen from the nasal passages. Nasal congestion, resulting in a stuffy or runny nose, is due to inflammation and increased mucus production. Coughing, often accompanied by phlegm, arises from irritation in the airways. Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, indicates constricted airways. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, can be a sign of a more severe allergic reaction.
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Cardiovascular symptoms include dizziness, a sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, often caused by a drop in blood pressure. Lightheadedness, similar to dizziness, can occur suddenly and is usually accompanied by a feeling of weakness or fainting. Fainting, or loss of consciousness, can happen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure triggered by an allergic reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing due to swelling of the airways and throat, which can obstruct breathing. Swelling of the throat and tongue is a critical sign of anaphylaxis, as it can lead to airway obstruction. A rapid pulse indicates an increased heart rate as the body responds to the allergen. A significant drop in blood pressure can lead to shock, characterized by weakness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can cause the person to faint or become unresponsive.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

• Comprehensive Medical History: Our allergists will thoroughly discuss your symptoms, eating habits, and any suspected triggers to identify patterns and potential allergens.
• Detailed Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam is part of the diagnostic process.
• Skin Prick Test: Skin prick test consists of applying tiny amounts of potential allergens to your skin using small pricks. A raised bump at the test site indicates an allergic response.
• Intradermal Test: Intradermal test is a more sensitive evaluation, a small amount of allergen is injected just beneath the skin of the arm. This method is more precise than the skin prick test and is often used when other testing is inconclusive.
• Blood Test: By measuring specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream, this test can help identify your sensitivity to specific allergens.
• Oral Food Challenge: Under medical supervision, you will consume small amounts of the suspected allergen to monitor for any reactions. This is one of the most definitive tests for food allergies.
• Elimination Diet: This method involves removing potential allergens from your diet and gradually reintroducing them to identify which food is causing the reaction.

By employing these comprehensive diagnostic techniques, we can accurately identify food allergies and create a tailored management plan to avoid your allergens, consider treatment options,  and prepare you in the event of an accidental ingestion.

How To Treat Your Food Allergies

Managing food allergies involves a combination of avoidance, medication, and proactive planning:

• Avoidance: The most effective way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid known allergens. This includes reading food labels carefully, being aware of cross-contamination, and informing schools, daycare, restaurants, and social gatherings of your allergic triggers.
• Emergency Epinephrine: Epinephrine is the fist line treatment for anaphylaxis. This is the only drug that can stop, and reverse, a severe allergic reaction.  All patients diagnosed with a food allergy should carry an epinephrine device. Emergency epinephrine is available in two forms:
  • Injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, EpiPen Jr., Auvi-Q, Adrenaclick, Symjepi, Twinject)
  • Intranasal epinephrine - (neffy)
• Biologics: The FDA recently approved the biologic, Xolair (omalizumab), for IgE mediated food allergy in certain adults and children ages 1 or older. This injectable drug may be used for the reduction of allergic reactions, including reducing the risk of anaphylaxis which may occur with an accidental exposure.  This drug is NOT approved for the immediate emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Your allergist can determine if this drug is appropriate for you or your child.

While there is no cure for food allergies, there have been significant advances in the treatment and management of those who suffer from a food allergy. However, the first and most important step in living with a food allergy is an accurate diagnosis.

It is also important to note that some young children may outgrow their food allergy. That is more common in foods such as milk, egg, wheat and soy. It is essential to have regular follow-up visits with your allergist as updated testing may allow you to reintroduce a food into your child’s diet.

Additionally, patients and families impacted by food allergies can benefit from the following:

• Nutritional Counseling: Working with a dietitian to ensure a balanced diet while avoiding allergens.
• Education and Preparedness: Educating yourself and your family about food allergies and having an action plan in place for accidental exposure. Children should have an Food Allergy Action plan in place with schools, daycare’s etc.
• Connecting with a support group in your area.

Book Your Allergist Appointment in Atlanta, GA and Start Treating Your Food Allergies

Our board-certified allergy doctors at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia are here to offer relief and guidance. We specialize in the diagnosis and management of food allergies in the Atlanta Metro area. We are conveniently located across various Georgia cities, including Carrollton, Villa Rica, Newnan, Smyrna/Vinings, Peachtree City/Fayetteville, Acworth/Kennesaw, Griffin, Hiram and Douglasville. We can help effectively manage your food allergies and improve your overall quality of life.

If you have experienced any type of allergic reaction, call (770) 459-0620 to schedule your appointment today. We have a no wait appointment policy in our allergy and asthma centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergies