Health Information
Return to Specialized Centers Overview
More on Specialized Centers
- All About Allergy
- All About the Immune System
- Allergy
- Cold vs. Allergy: How Do I Know the Difference?
- Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy
- Egg Allergy Diet
- Food Allergies
- Milk Allergy Diet
- Peanut Allergy Diet
- Shellfish Allergy Diet
- Soy Allergy Diet
- Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy
- Treatment for Allergy
- Tree Nut Allergy Diet
- Types of Allergens
- Wheat Allergy Diet
For Patients, Families & Visitors
Return to Specialized Centers Overview
More on Specialized Centers
Allergy and Immunology
Specialized Centers
Food Allergy Center
There is a clear rise today in the incidence of food allergies. Infants may be allergic to milk, eggs, wheat and soy, while older children may have allergies to peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish. With a food allergy, the body reacts as though that particular food product is harmful. As a result, the body's immune system creates antibodies to fight the food allergen, the substance in the food that triggers the allergy. Symptoms might include an itchy skin rash, a tingling in the tongue, lips, or throat, swelling, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing. In some cases the reaction can be severe, and in rare instances, fatal.
At the Division's new Food Allergy Center, our staff help to determine what foods a patient is allergic to by first performing skin tests or ImmunoCAP testing-actually giving the patient the food to provoke a possible reaction. If there still remains uncertainty, then a food challenge may be performed. With a fully equipped treatment area, staff can perform food challenges and treat a reaction if one should occur. Patients are observed and monitored for an extended period of time depending on the history of the prior reaction.
Contact
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- (212) 305-2300
