Food Allergies Specialist
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Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center
Lev Barsky, MD
Allergist & Asthma Specialist located in Brooklyn, NY
Up to 6% of people in the United States have a food allergy. Food allergies may occur at any time, and you can develop an allergy to a food you’ve been eating your entire life. The Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments for food allergies. To schedule an appointment with Lev Barsky, MD, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Food Allergies Q&A
What are food allergies?
Food allergies are an immune system reaction to a food. When you eat a certain type of food, your immune system considers that food harmful and develops antibodies against it.
When you eat the food you're allergic to, your immune system sends out the antibodies, triggering the release of chemicals that cause an allergic reaction.
A food allergy diagnosis most often occurs during childhood, but you can develop a food allergy at any age. Common food allergens include:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Seafood
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
These may be the most common food allergens, but you can develop an allergy to any food.
What are the symptoms of food allergies?
Food allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes after eating the food. Symptoms may include:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, stuffy nose
- Allergic conjunctivitis — red, teary, itchy eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of the tongue
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Anaphylaxis — life-threatening allergic reaction
Though most food allergy reactions occur soon after ingesting the food, some people may have a delayed reaction, with symptoms appearing 4-6 hours after eating. These delayed reactions are more common in children who have atopic dermatitis.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
If you suspect you or someone you love has a food allergy, schedule a consultation at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky.
Dr. Barsky, an experienced allergist, performs comprehensive evaluations to determine the root cause of the allergy symptoms to develop an effective treatment plan. Dr. Barsky asks about the suspected food allergy and your symptoms.
He reviews your medical and family history and performs a physical exam. Dr. Barsky may do a skin or blood allergy test to confirm or rule out a food allergy.
Skin-prick test
The skin-prick test is an in-office allergy test. During the test, Dr. Barsky pricks the skin on your arm or back with a small amount of the suspected allergen and waits for a reaction.
Blood test
Blood tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies you have to a specific food.
How are food allergies treated?
The primary treatment for food allergies is avoiding the food that causes the allergic reaction. Dr. Barsky spends time talking to you about your food allergy and provides detailed guidance on how to avoid it.
He may also refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you devise a balanced eating plan that eliminates your food allergen.
For comprehensive food allergy care, call Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, Dr. Lev Barsky, or schedule an appointment online today.
