What is a food allergy? Dr. Frank Averill of St. Francis Medical Institute describes a food allergy as an overreaction of a patient’s immune system when he or she eats certain foods. The immune system mistakenly identifies a food substance as harmful and responds by releasing an overabundance of antibodies in an attempt to neutralize the culprit. The response can be triggered by even the slightest exposure to the allergen, and can sometimes result in digestive problems, hives, swollen airways, and, in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. If you have reactions to certain foods, Dr. Averill can pinpoint the cause and help you cope with your symptoms and avoid any associated health risks. At St. Francis, Dr. Averill administers various types of allergy tests for patients from Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Trinity, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and other nearby FL cities.
The most common allergenic foods, which account for approximately 90 percent of all allergic reactions, are often referred to as the “Big Eight.” They are:
- Peanuts
- Shellfish (such as lobster, crab, shrimp)
- Fish (such as cod, flounder, bass)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Soy
- Wheat
- Nuts from trees (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts)
To help Americans avoid the health risks posed by food allergens, the FDA mandates food labeling that clearly specifies the ingredients that contain any protein derived from the Big Eight. In order to benefit from this important measure, though, you’ll need to first identify your food allergies. For this, you can confidently turn to Dr. Averill.
You will feel comfortable consulting with Dr. Averill, a board-certified pulmonologist who completed a fellowship in allergy and immunology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University and has more than 20 years of experience in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. He and his staff of knowledgeable and experienced healthcare professionals take great pride in providing patients with compassionate care along with emotional and spiritual support. During your personal consultation, Dr. Averill will be pleased to explain in detail exactly what a food allergy is, test you for adverse reactions, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Patients in Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Largo, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and the surrounding Florida area can contact St. Francis today to speak with Dr. Averill, who will shed additional light as he answers your question: What is a food allergy? If you are interested, Dr. Averill can also provide information on other health concerns and treatments, including clinical trials.