Allergies can affect everyone a little differently, and though some food allergies can lead to discomfort, others can cause severe reactions that could be potentially life-threatening. So it's important to know if you or your children suffer from a food allergy, and with allergy testing it's possible to do so in a controlled environment, you can learn more by reaching out to Metairie and Covington, LA, allergy specialist, Dr. Alan Sheen.

Allergic Reaction

Your immune system has a very important job, to fend off intruders, typically pathogens, which can cause harm. But for someone who suffers from allergies, their immune system tends to overreact when it comes in contact with what's considered a normal substance to just about everyone else. The immune system can act as though it's fighting off a threat and end up causing harm, this is what's typically referred to as an allergic reaction.

Food Allergies

An allergic reaction can take different forms, from unpleasant to very dangerous as it comes into contact with the allergen that triggers your body's immune response. The types of allergens that are most common can include pollen, pet dander, certain chemicals, and food.

The foods that can cause allergic reactions are also varied and can include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and citrus foods, to name a few.

Food Allergy Testing in Metairie and Covington, LA

Although it's more common for children, many people don't realize they have a food allergy. Sometimes the symptoms can be mistakenly associated with other factors, especially if they're not very severe.

So it's important to become better aware of the food that you eat and what impact it may be having on your health, which can be done through food allergy testing.

If you are interested in food allergy testing and live in or near the areas of Metairie and Covington, LA, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheen by dialing (504) 456-1999 to reach the Metairie, LA, office and (985) 246-6077 for Covington, LA.