Food Allergy Testing Specialist in McLean VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Gaithersburg MD, Bethesda MD, and Rockville MD

Our clinic specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of food allergies, including those to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. We recognize the prevalence and potential severity of peanut and tree nut allergies, which require meticulous management to prevent severe reactions even to trace amounts.

For families dealing with milk and egg allergies in children, our expert team can differentiate between these immune reactions and other conditions like lactose intolerance, providing tailored strategies to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy. Similarly, we address wheat allergies by distinguishing them from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, offering personalized dietary guidance.

Understanding that food allergies such as those to fish and shellfish can be lifelong and demanding, especially for adults, we provide ongoing support and education to manage these allergies effectively. Our approach includes equipping patients with the knowledge to avoid allergens through careful label reading and recognizing hidden ingredients, as well as preparing them for emergency situations with the appropriate use of antihistamines or epinephrine.

At Amerimmune Clinic, we emphasize the importance of consulting with an allergist for personalized advice and management strategies. Our goal is to empower patients with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their food allergies confidently and safely, fostering a better quality of life.

When you visit Amerimmune Clinic, you will receive a thorough evaluation to identify specific food allergens and understand your unique immune response. Our advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans are designed to help manage and mitigate allergic reactions effectively.

We offer a variety of services, including skin testing, blood tests, and dietary consultations, to help pinpoint triggers and develop strategies for avoidance and management. Our goal is to educate and empower our patients to recognize early symptoms, such as skin reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory issues, and the signs of anaphylaxis, ensuring they know how to respond swiftly in case of an emergency.

For those at risk of severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, Amerimmune Clinic provides education on the use of emergency medications like epinephrine and devises action plans tailored to individual needs. Our commitment is to enhance your quality of life by minimizing the impact of food allergies and supporting your journey to better health through expert care and guidance.

Your well-being is our priority, and Amerimmune Clinic is here to help you navigate the complexities of food allergies with confidence and peace of mind.

At Amerimmune Clinic, diagnosing food allergies is approached with meticulous care and precision, leveraging our expertise in immunology to provide comprehensive evaluations tailored to each patient. Our process begins with an in-depth medical history review, where our experienced healthcare providers delve into the patient’s symptoms, onset, duration, and any specific foods suspected of triggering allergic reactions.

Following the medical history, a thorough physical examination is conducted to check for any visible signs of allergic reactions, such as hives or eczema. We often recommend maintaining a food diary, allowing patients to track their meals and associated symptoms. This tool is invaluable for uncovering patterns that may indicate a food allergy.

We frequently use elimination diets to pinpoint offending foods. Patients eliminate suspected allergens from their diet and then gradually reintroduce them under medical supervision, carefully observing any adverse reactions. This method is integrated with our expertise for more accurate identification of allergens.

For confirmation, we employ a variety of diagnostic tests. Our skin prick tests and ImmunoCAP blood tests are conducted with precision, measuring specific IgE antibodies to particular foods. While these tests provide valuable insights, we emphasize their use in conjunction with a broader diagnostic strategy.

In some cases, we may recommend an oral food challenge, considered the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. Conducted in our controlled medical setting, this test involves the patient consuming the suspected allergen in increasing amounts while under strict supervision. This approach allows us to confirm or rule out food allergies with high accuracy, ensuring patient safety throughout the process.

Food allergies, involving the immune system, occur when the body mistakenly identifies a specific food as a threat, resulting in an immune response. This can lead to symptoms ranging from mild reactions like hives or itching to severe conditions such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical intervention. Our clinic is equipped to diagnose these allergies through skin tests or blood tests, and we offer tailored management strategies, including education on avoidance techniques and the use of epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency situations.

Conversely, food intolerances do not engage the immune system but arise when the digestive system struggles to process certain foods. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, while uncomfortable, are not life-threatening and typically develop gradually. At Amerimmune Clinic, we provide diagnostic support through elimination diets and symptom monitoring, helping patients identify and manage intolerances effectively. Our dietary recommendations, such as using lactase supplements for lactose intolerance, aim to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

Amerimmune Clinic emphasizes personalized care by recognizing the fundamental differences between food allergies and intolerances in terms of their causes, symptoms, and management strategies. We are committed to delivering expert guidance and support to ensure effective treatment and safety in dietary practices, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from McLean VA, Alexandria VA, Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Gaithersburg MD, Rockville MD, Vienna VA, IdylWood VA, Lincolnia VA, Groveton VA, Falls Church VA, North Bethesda MD, Takoma Park MD, Montgomery Village MD, Redland MD, Aspen Hill MD, and surrounding areas.