Allergies can remain dormant for years, only having adverse effects later in life. That’s why it’s important for people to learn what to do when they have an allergic reaction to food. People who have had a certain food allergy since birth are likely already well-versed in the procedures needed to prevent dangerous situations related to allergies. However, many of us are quite ignorant about proper procedure after ingesting an allergen. Below is more information on what you should do if you have a food allergy.
Identifying Reactions
When most people think of allergy reactions, they think of swelling and rashes. However, these aren’t the only reactions possible. Some people have itching, tingling tongue, and lethargy. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating a meal, chances are you are allergic to a particular ingredient. Don’t try to diagnose the allergen yourself. See a doctor instead.
Determine if You Have a Food Allergy
The first thing to do is to find out exactly what you are allergic too. You can go to Asthma Allergy Centre in Oregon to have the tests done. You will have the best chance of having any allergies identified by seeing a specialist.
Just because it appears to be an allergy, it may not be. You may simply have a food intolerance, which means you are unable to digest certain foods. Only a professional can help determine if this is the case.
Our provider will usually first ask you a series of questions, attempting to pinpoint which series of tests to conduct first. They will ask what you ate before you showed symptoms, they will ask about the symptoms themselves, and they will ask how long the symptoms lasted. It’s important to answer these questions truthfully because there are several different possible routes to take when it comes to testing for allergens.
Avoid the Foods You Are Allergic To
You may think it is okay to eat nuts even if you have a nut allergy because the reaction has never been severe. This won’t always be the case. You could have little to no reaction the first 100 times you eat nuts, but you could have a life-threatening reaction the next time. You should avoid any food that a professional determines you are allergic to even if you’ve never had a severe reaction.
Seek Consultation
If you have any questions about the tests we conduct at Asthma Allergy Centre in Beaverton and Tigard, OR, feel free to call us to get more information. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
