Food Allergy

What Is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies happen when your immune system misinterprets harmless food proteins as dangerous invaders, causing symptoms such as itching, swelling, or even more severe reactions. This differs from food intolerance, which doesn’t involve the immune system and tends to trigger less severe symptoms. In a city like San Antonio, where culinary traditions run deep, common food allergies are an issue that many locals navigate daily.


If you have a family history of allergies or asthma, you might be at a higher risk of developing food allergies—even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms yet. While ongoing research has led to promising advancements, no medication can completely prevent food allergy symptoms. However, early exposure and oral immunotherapy are being actively studied to help reduce food allergy symptoms and prevent severe reactions.

Book an Appointment for Food Allergy Treatment

Consult With Our Allergy Experts

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Here’s a list of common food allergy symptoms to be aware of:

Skin Reactions

  • Hives: Raised, itchy welts on the skin.

Digestive Issues

  • Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick or vomiting after consuming the allergenic food.
  • Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools may occur shortly after eating

Respiratory Problems

  • Sneezing: Frequent sneezing or nasal congestion.
  • Coughing or Wheezing: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent cough.

Oral Symptoms

  • Itching or Swelling: Itching or swelling in the mouth, throat, or lips shortly after eating.

Anaphylaxis

  • Severe Reaction: A life-threatening reaction can trigger low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or fainting. This requires immediate medical attention.

What are the Causes of Food Allergies?

The majority of food allergy cases stem from the "Big 8" allergens, which affect people of all ages:

Peanuts

Tree Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

Milk (cow's milk)

Eggs

Wheat

Soy

Fish (salmon, tuna)

Shellfish(shrimp, crab, lobster)

Food allergies affect up to 3% of adults and 6–8% of children under three. While there is no cure, some children may outgrow their allergies. Early detection and treatment of food allergies are essential to reduce the risk of severe reactions.

Contact Our Allergy Specialists Today

Schedule an Appointment

Food Allergy Treatment and Diagnosis

Partnering with a food allergy specialist in San Antonio, TX, can make managing symptoms easier and help prevent future complications. Our specialists will evaluate your eating habits, symptoms, and family history.

If signs of food allergies are identified, they will recommend the best testing methods to pinpoint the cause and guide your care.

How are Food Allergies Treated?

Texans can manage food allergies through a combination of avoidance, medication, and, in some cases, immunotherapy. 


1. Avoidance:  Skipping or consistently avoiding allergenic food is the most effective way to manage food allergies. To accomplish this, individuals must read food labels carefully, inquire about ingredients when eating out, and be alert about cross-contamination.


2. Medications: 

  • Antihistamines can help relieve mild allergy symptoms, such as itching or hives.
  • Epinephrine (EpiPen) is the primary treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). People with severe food allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times.
  • Oral or nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation or treat more severe symptoms.


3. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): This treatment requires administering gradually increasing amounts of the allergenic food under medical supervision to desensitize the immune system. It’s a popular choice for food allergies involving peanuts, milk, and eggs.


4. Emergency Action Plan: Patients with food allergies should work with their specialists to develop an action plan for managing accidental exposures, which may include using medications like antihistamines or epinephrine.


5. Education and Support: Many individuals with food allergies benefit from working with dietitians or allergists to learn how to manage their allergies safely and ensure proper nutrition while avoiding allergens.

Contact Our Allergy Specialists Today

Schedule an Appointment

Food Allergy FAQs

  • Can I develop a food allergy later in life?

    Yes. You can develop adult-onset food allergy. While most common food allergies start in childhood, adults can also develop food allergies. It is often mistaken for food poisoning or a stomach bug, but a real food allergy usually comes back every time you eat that food.


    Adults, especially women, can have stronger or more serious reactions, like anaphylaxis. Unlike some childhood food allergies, adult food allergies usually don’t go away on their own.


    If you think you’ve outgrown an allergy or developed a new one, a food allergist at Premier Allergy TX can test you and help you manage it safely.

  • What should I do if I accidentally eat something I’m allergic to?

    Always carry your emergency food allergy treatment, including epinephrine. Use it right away to prevent an allergic reaction. Still, we recommend that you call your doctor or go to the ER, even if the symptoms have subsided.

  • Are food allergies the same as food intolerances?

    No, they are very different. Food allergies involve your immune system actively reacting to certain foods. On the other hand, food intolerances mean your body has trouble digesting certain foods, which usually causes stomach problems like bloating or gas, but it isn’t life-threatening.


    If you’re not sure whether your signs are food allergies or food intolerance, you have, talk to an allergy specialist to get the right answers and care.

  • How long does it take for a food allergy reaction to happen?

    It varies from person to person. Depending on the severity of the case, some food allergy symptoms may take a few hours while others may take only minutes. What really matters is that the allergy is treated immediately, whether with antihistamines or with epinephrine.

Receive Expert Food Allergy Care

Don’t let food allergies disrupt your life. At Premier Allergy of Texas, our specialists are ready to help you manage allergy symptoms with a plan designed just for you. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward expert care and lasting relief.

Book an Appointment Today