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other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
Diagnosing Food Allergy If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding
the food(s) after
specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified
allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan
proper diet.
Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several
tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis
is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by
injection to control allergic reactions. Treatment for Food Allergies Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is
only way to
prevent a reaction. Once
specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your
diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering
eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label.
You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid
restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Don’t be shy
about asking for more information if
menu isn’t clear.
Unfortunately, you can’t take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to
a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms
that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve
gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve
asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to
which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior
to eating
food.
Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems.
Seek
help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.
Other Resources This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:
Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com
Food Allergies: Websites*:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Asthma & Allergy Foundation Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Food and Drug Administration International Food Information Council USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies Eight percent of children in
U.S. are estimated to be affected by food allergies, along with
up to 2% of adults. The eight most common food allergens – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy,
wheat, fish and shellfish – cause more than 90 percent of all food allergic reactions. However,
many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
