Food allergies are surprisingly common. Here’s what you should know.
Many people deal with recurring nasal congestion, bloating, and nausea but never realize that food allergies could be to blame. From the office of our West Des Moines, IA, allergy doctor Dr. Alkhatib, here’s what you should know about food allergies, their symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
Recognize the Symptoms
It isn’t always easy to tell whether your symptoms are the result of a food allergy or something else. Common symptoms associated with a food allergy include,
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hives
- Tingling lips
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue
As you can see, symptoms range from mild to more severe and life-threatening (e.g., swelling of the lips; anaphylaxis). Symptoms of a food allergy typically occur within two hours after eating. If you notice the same symptoms recurring after you eat this could be a telltale sign of an allergy.
Track Your Food
One way to make it easier on our West Des Moines, IA, allergy doctor to determine what could be causing your symptoms is by tracking all the food you eat. A food diary can provide us with the clues we need to discover potential allergens. It’s a good idea to track the foods you eat and any symptoms you experience for the next 1-2 weeks before seeing your allergy doctor. While this isn’t necessary it can certainly help us shed light on what foods you could be sensitive or allergic to.
When to See a Doctor
So, how do you know it’s time to visit your allergy doctor here in West Des Moines, IA, for a potential food allergy? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and they appear after eating it’s best to see an allergist and find out what’s going on. After all, ignoring your symptoms could mean dealing with a more serious reaction in the future, so it’s important to find out what’s causing your symptoms so you can avoid the food altogether.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is dealing with a food allergy, the best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment with our West Des Moines, IA, allergy doctor to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Call Allergy Institute today at (515) 619-5179.