Food Allergy Care
You Can Rely On
Accurate diagnosis, personalized management plans, and emergency preparedness for adults and children across Arizona.
Understanding Food Allergies
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as harmful and triggers a reaction. Symptoms can range from mild — such as hives, itching, or stomach upset — to severe, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Food allergies affect both children and adults and can develop at any age. Even small amounts of a triggering food can cause a reaction, which is why accurate diagnosis and a clear management plan are essential for safety and quality of life.
Common Food Allergy Triggers
While any food can potentially cause an allergic reaction, most reactions come from a small group of triggers.
Peanuts
Tree Nuts
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Wheat
Soy
Reactions to sesame, certain fruits, and other foods are also increasingly common. Accurate identification of your specific triggers is the foundation of a safe management plan.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Food allergy reactions usually begin within minutes to a couple of hours after eating a trigger food. Common symptoms include:
- Hives, itching, or eczema flare-ups
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- Wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Anaphylaxis — a severe, whole-body reaction
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you experience trouble breathing, throat tightness, widespread hives, or loss of consciousness after eating, use epinephrine immediately if prescribed and call 911.
Diagnosis & Management
Accurate Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and symptom review. Skin prick testing and blood testing may be used to identify immune sensitivities. In select cases, a supervised oral food challenge provides the clearest answer.
Personalized Management
Successful management combines strict avoidance of confirmed triggers, thorough label reading, cross-contamination awareness, an emergency action plan, and epinephrine access. Some patients also benefit from biologic medications such as Xolair.
Food Allergy FAQs
Get Clear Answers About Your Food Allergies
Whether it's you or your child, an accurate diagnosis and personalized plan can dramatically improve safety and confidence at every meal.