Have you been trying to determine why consuming food causes you to have digestive problems sometimes? Although digestive problems can be the result of more than one medical problem, it is possible that you have a food allergy. This article answers a few of the questions that you might have about dealing with a food allergy in case it is the cause of your digestive problems.

How Can Foods That Cause an Allergic Reaction Be Identified?

You will have to tell a specialist about the type of foods you eat when the allergic reactions occur. He or she will then be able to expose you to those foods to verify that they are the root cause of your problem. For instance, the specialist will likely want to perform a skin test in which your skin will be slightly pricked. Different foods will then be place on the pricked area so an observation of how your body reacts can be done.

Are There Other Symptoms Associated with a Food Allergy?

One of the common symptoms that can be caused from a food allergy is breaking out in hives. You might also experience some abdominal pain that feels similar to having gas. If you tongue begins to itch after making contact with certain food products, it is a sign that an allergy is present.

How Severe Can a Food Allergy Become?

Food allergies can turn fatal if you suddenly suffer from anaphylactic shock. Basically, the condition can lead to you suffering from severe diarrhea, cramps, swelling beneath the skin, and difficulty breathing. If anaphylactic shock is not treated soon enough, it can result in death.

What Kind of Treatment Methods Are Used?

If a specialist finds that a food allergy is responsible for your digestive problems, he or she will treat you according to severity. For instance, a food allergy that does not cause numerous symptoms might not need any special treatment other than you avoiding the culprit foods. However, if it is possible that you will experience anaphylactic shock, you might need a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector pen that can quickly relieve severe symptoms. Undergoing immunotherapy where you will be regularly exposed to the culprit foods is ideal to overcome the allergy altogether.

How Much Does a Specialist Charge for Immunotherapy?

You should expect to pay a minimum of $100 for a specialist to administer a series of ten immunotherapy shots. If you have health insurance coverage, you might only be required to pay up to 40% of the immunotherapy price. Get in touch with a specialist about your possible food allergy so a diagnosis can be made.

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