Allergy & Asthma Center of Long Island

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9 Center Drive, Roslyn, NY 11576
Phone: (516) 699-7790

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Food

If you suspect you suffer from symptoms associated with a food allergy, scheduling a consultation  is a great first step to receiving the treatment that works best for you.

The following are the most common food allergens: 

  • Peanuts
  • Tree Nuts
  • Milk
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Shellfish
  • Fish 

Testing

  • Skin Prick Test: During this quick, easy, and virtually pain free test one of our allergy specialist doctors marks your arm in pen with an assortment of numbers that correspond to each sample allergen. A drop of each food allergen is carefully placed next to its assigned number and a lancet is used to painlessly place the allergen just under the top layer of the patient’s skin. After 10-15 minutes, the skin is evaluated by one of our top rated allergy specialist doctors for any inflammation or itchiness (which indicates the patient may be allergic to the sampled allergen), the affected areas are measured, and anti-itch cream is applied to the tested skin. One of our best in class board certified allergy specialist doctors will help you develop an effective treatment plan for your food allergy that works best for you.  
  • Specific IgE (immunoglobulin-E) Blood Test: This method involves the extraction of a small amount of blood from a patient that may suffer from a food allergy. The blood sample is sent to a lab to identify and measure the level of IgE antibodies the patient has to the presumed food allergy. This immuno-diagnostic test allows our top notch team of board certified allergy specialist doctors to provide patients with a detailed overview of any detected antibodies that suggest an individual may have a food allergy. 
  • Skin Patch Test: This painless treatment is an identical approach to skin patch testing for non-food allergies. The skin patch test for food allergies is recommended for patients with the potential for a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a food allergen. This testing method is often employed for infants and small children, as their age groups are more likely to experience a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a food allergen. One of our top rated immunologists applies a food allergen beneath the patient’s top layer of skin under a “Finn chamber” (skin patches that protect the affected area from external elements). The patient’s skin is evaluated between 48-72 hours after application to determine the presence of any food allergies. 
  • Food Challenge: This highly effective method (known as “the Gold Standard” of allergy diagnostic testing) involves a careful administration of the trigger food allergen directly to the patient. The patient is then closely monitored to determine if there is a reaction to the trigger food allergen. This helps determine whether a patient’s body is threatened by a particular food allergen. The oral food challenge is often utilized by our best in class team in order to target a suspected food allergen, determine if a patient has outgrown a food allergy from which they previously experienced symptoms, or confirm a patient’s food allergy when previous allergy test results do not align. This method is always performed in a safe, closely monitored environment with highly qualified, board certified immunologists. 

Treatment

  • Immunotherapy: This innovative treatment may be employed to treat most food allergies (no matter the severity of symptoms), specifically to peanuts. There are a variety of methods your board certified allergy specialist doctor may employ: oral ingestion, injection, drops (placed under the tongue to dissolve). Immunotherapy aims to desensitize the immune system’s negative response to a particular allergen through gradual exposure over a period of time.
  • Auto-Injectable Epinephrine (EpiPen®): If you experience severe symptoms associated with food allergies, one of our best in class immunologists will prescribe you auto-injectable epinephrine to carry with them at all times. Those who suffer from severe allergic reactions to food must carry this device with them at all times in order to stay protected from unexpected exposure to a food allergen.
  • Avoidance: Your top rated immunologist will advise you on what ingredients to avoid and how to effectively evaluate food package labels.

 The sooner you schedule an appointment, the sooner you can experience relief!

Allergy & Asthma Center of Long Island
9 Center Drive, Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 699-7790