Food Allergy

The technical definition for food allergy is an abnormal immunologic reaction to food ingestion. It is typically mediated by an antibody called IgE, which leads to symptoms shortly after eating the culprit food. IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms include hives, shortness of breath, cough, lip/tongue swelling, and anaphylaxis. There are also a few non-IgE mediated food allergies, such as food protein-induced proctocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis (FPIES).

Nonimmunologic adverse reactions to foods are more common than immunologic reactions. Examples include food intolerance (issues with food metabolism, such as lactose intolerance) and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. These disorders cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Skin-testing for IgE-mediated food allergies is not indicated in such cases. Our allergists will take a careful history of your symptoms to determine whether your symptoms are consistent with a food allergy, and whether testing is indicated.