Top Five Food Allergies

While everyone needs food to live, not everyone can eat every food. This fact is never more evident than when a person inadvertently eats a food that provokes an allergic reaction. Nausea, hives, itchy eyes and shortness of breath can ensue if the allergic reaction is not treated in the proper manner by an specialty allergy doctor.

Known in medical circles as “anaphylactic shock,” allergic reactions to food are not just irritating but can even lead to death in certain circumstances. Here is a quick rundown on the five foods most commonly associated with this disability:

Peanut Allergy – Probably the most commonly known food allergy because of the attention it has drawn from schools and airlines, peanuts are a significant threat to the unaware. Peanuts are included in all sorts of foods as a filler and care should be taken to read food labels.

Shrimp – This allergy is usually ascribed to the iodine that builds up in various shellfish. Whatever the root reason, a shrimp allergy provokes an almost immediate and violent reaction from someone who inadvertently exposes themselves.

Milk – “Got milk?” Is a popular marketing slogan but it is more than an annoyance to those who are better off ignoring this oft praised but sometimes deadly liquid. Humans usually react most violently to cow's milk but others – goat, sheep and buffalo – can have equally dire effects.

Wheat – The gluten in wheat can cause bouts of sneezing, headaches and skin rashes. This allergy is more of a nuisance than a real danger. Still, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Eggs – Most common in infants, an egg allergy usually manifests itself with vomiting. By adolescence, this allergy will usually be dissipated.

For more information on the best way to deal with an allergic reaction to food or any other irritant, or prevent food allergies in children, please contact us at allergyarizona.net, or call us directly at 602-242-4592. 

What is Allergy Immunology

Immunology is a very broad branch of biological science. It is commonly defined as the study of the immune system. In medicine, an immunologist is a specialist who uses his knowledge to evaluate, diagnose and manage patients with immunological disorders like asthma, food allergies, sinusitis, and more. In Phoenix, immunologists is commonly referred to as  allergists.

Specially Licensure:

An allergy immunologist such as Dr. Habib-Khazen and Dr Alasaly had to go through years of education and training in order to learn how to treat and manage allergies and asthma.

Our doctors must complete a medical degree, and then, train as a physician in either pediatrics or internal medicine. Once training has been completed, the physician must pass either the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics.

To become an immunologist, a physician must undergo an additional two years of study (fellowship) focusing on immunology, and  pass the American Board of Allergy and Immunology’s certifying exam.

An allergist/immunologist's education and training doesn't stop there. Because immunology is applied to several other scientific disciplines, new discoveries in the field are continually being made. To remain a certified immunologist in Phoenix, continued medical education is  necessary in order to keep up with the latest news and remain competent in the field.

The Role of the Allergy/Immunologist:

Unlike other types of diseases, allergic disease isn’t a condition that can “go away” easily. Some people dismiss allergies and regard them as a mere nuisance. Patients who suffer from allergies know that this condition can  be debilitating and  keep them from their daily routines.

An effective Phoenix immunologist diagnoses the condition and provides a management plan to help the patient manage his allergy or asthma better, reducing the number of times the patient misses school or work because he/she has to stay at home to rest. The immunologist uses different allergy tests to determine what a patient is allergic to and what triggers allergic reactions. These tests include allergy skin testing, pulmonary function testing, penicillin testing, food testing, chemical and food patch testing, and venom and stinging insect testing.

Consult our Allergy Asthma Clinics which are renowned for the quality of care:

When in need of comprehensive treatment options, you can rely on our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and staff to work with you in helping you better manage your asthmatic allergy or respiratory/sinus concerns. By working with our  certified and experienced team at our Phoenix clinic or another location, you will find out exactly the cause of your condition, what triggers your asthma or allergic reaction, and how you can effectively manage it.

Find out why 1000s of patients have chosen us to be their Phoenix immunologists!  Please call NOW to schedule appointment at 602-242-4592!