What are 10 Common Food Allergies?
Food allergies are a significant concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recognizing and managing common allergens can greatly improve quality of life. This article will discuss ten of the most prevalent food allergies, including symptoms, treatment options, and how the FATE™ Program at NY Food Allergy & Wellness, led by Dr. Atul Shah, helps patients achieve food freedom. The prevalence of specific food allergies varies in the US and around the world. The list below includes common allergens we have observed but not in any specific order. Any form of treatment requires accurate diagnosis. Many of our new patients avoid many foods unnecessarily. Positive blood tests or allergy skin tests are suggestive of sensitization but not necessarily true allergy. We specialize in sorting out true allergies from false positive skin tests and blood tests.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies, especially in children. It occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to proteins found in cow's milk. Symptoms can range from mild reactions, like hives, to severe anaphylaxis. Diagnosis typically involves a skin prick test or a blood test measuring specific IgE antibodies.
Treatment involves strict avoidance of milk and milk-containing products. Desensitization options, such as Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), can help increase tolerance. The FATE™ Program at NY Food Allergy offers customized desensitization treatments for milk allergy sufferers.
Learn more about milk allergies here.
Egg Allergy
Egg allergy is common in young children, but many outgrow it by adolescence. Symptoms can include skin reactions, respiratory issues, and digestive discomfort. Diagnosis is often made through skin or blood tests, and sometimes an oral food challenge is needed for confirmation.
At NY Food Allergy, we offer both SLIT and OIT treatments as part of the desensitization process to help those with egg allergies build tolerance.
Visit our egg allergy page for more details.
Tree Nut Allergy (cashew, pistachio, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts)
Tree nut allergies are prevalent and often last lifelong. They include allergies to nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachio nuts, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and others. Reactions can be severe, requiring immediate treatment with an epinephrine injector.
The FATE™ Program is designed to help patients with tree nut allergies by providing customized desensitization treatments. NY Food Allergy also offers comprehensive testing to identify specific allergens and avoid cross-reactivity. NYFA treatment with single and multi-nut SLIT and OIT helps patients get to cross-contamination protection and free-eating.
Learn more about tree nut allergy and available treatments.
Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is one of the most serious food allergies, often resulting in severe allergic reactions. It commonly starts in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Symptoms range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.
At NY Food Allergy, we specialize in helping patients increase their tolerance through desensitization therapies like SLIT and OIT. We offer FDA-approved Peanut OIT options for the families that desire that. The FATE™ Program is more comprehensive and especially effective in managing peanut allergies safely.
For more information on managing a peanut allergy, visit our dedicated page.
Wheat Allergy
Wheat allergy is an immune response to proteins found in wheat. It is different from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune condition. Symptoms can range from digestive discomfort to skin reactions and respiratory issues.
The FATE™ Program at NY Food Allergy offers a combination of testing and personalized desensitization treatments to help manage wheat allergies effectively.
Find out more about wheat allergy management.
Soybean Allergy
Soybean allergy is common in children but can persist into adulthood. It can cause symptoms such as digestive issues, skin reactions, and respiratory problems.
At NY Food Allergy, we offer comprehensive testing and desensitization options for managing soybean allergies through the FATE™ Program.
Learn more about managing a soybean allergy.
Other Common Allergies
In addition to the above, other common allergens include shellfish, fish, sesame, sunflower seeds, and legumes such as chickpeas and lentils. The FATE™ Program at NY Food Allergy offers solutions for these and other less common allergies through innovative desensitization techniques.
The FATE™ Program
The Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement (FATE™) Program is a specialized approach designed to help patients increase their tolerance to food allergens gradually. It includes a combination of testing such as the Basophil Activation Test, Oral Food Challenges, SLIT, OIT and other advanced methods to help manage food allergies.
For more information about the FATE™ Program, visit the
FATE™ Program page.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing food allergies is essential for a safe and fulfilling life. At NY Food Allergy, Dr. Atul Shah and his team offer comprehensive, cutting-edge treatments through the FATE™ Program. If you or a loved one suffers from food allergies, explore our services to achieve greater freedom and quality of life.
