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Food Allergy Testing & Treatment

Modena Allergy & Asthma provides food allergy testing and immunotherapy to help patients identify allergens, reduce reactions, and improve quality of life.

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Accurate TestingLife-Changing Treatment

Why Choose Modena Allergy & Asthma for Food Allergy Testing & Treatment?

Food allergies are a serious concern, impacting daily life and requiring diligent management. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, we offer top-notch food allergy testing and cutting-edge treatments for individuals and families. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being in all situations, from school lunches to social gatherings.

We prioritize accurate diagnosis and effective long-term solutions to alleviate allergic reactions. Trust us to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate food allergies with confidence. Contact us today to take control of your health and enjoy a life free from the anxiety of food allergies.

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Food Allergy Testing & Treatment at a Glance

  • What It Is: Diagnostic testing and desensitization therapies to identify and manage food allergies.
  • Who It Helps: Patients with suspected or diagnosed food allergies, including children and adults.
  • Benefits: Accurate diagnosis, reduced risk of severe reactions, and potential for long-term tolerance.
  • Downtime: Minimal to none; testing and treatments are outpatient and closely monitored.
  • Treatment Duration: Varies by individual—desensitization may take several months to years.

Expert Testing & Proven Solutions

Why is food allergy testing important?

Food allergies can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis—but not all positive test results mean you truly have an allergy. In fact, relying on a single skin or blood test can sometimes lead to unnecessary food restrictions. That’s why we take a deeper approach. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our experienced allergists perform comprehensive evaluations—including in-office food challenges when needed—to accurately diagnose food allergies and assess real risk. Get clarity, confidence, and expert care tailored to your health.

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When Should You Get Tested for Food Allergies?

You or your child may benefit from food allergy testing if symptoms appear shortly after eating. Common signs to watch for include:

  • Skin Reactions: Hives, itching, redness, or swelling—especially on the face, hands, or feet.
  • Mouth & Throat Discomfort: Tingling, itching, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Digestive Upset: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
  • Breathing Difficulties: Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or trouble breathing.
  • If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, food allergy testing can provide clarity and guide safe, effective treatment.

Find Out Your Triggers

What types of food allergy tests are available?

Your healthcare provider may suggest various testing methods to pinpoint potential food allergies accurately.

Blood Testing (sIgE Blood Test):

Food-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) blood testing is a crucial tool for diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies that can lead to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. This test, conducted through a basic blood draw, is highly sensitive in detecting food allergens. Despite its accuracy, sIgE testing may yield false positives. Hence, results are usually evaluated along with medical history and additional diagnostic measures for precise diagnosis. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation and management of food allergies.

Skin Prick Testing:

Skin prick testing is a safe and sensitive method for diagnosing allergies by applying allergenic substances to the skin and monitoring for reactions. While effective, false positives can occur, emphasizing the need for clinical history consideration for accurate results.

In-Office Food Challenge (OFC):

An in-office open food challenge (OFC) is deemed the most reliable method for confirming food allergies. This gold standard diagnostic test involves consuming increasing quantities of a specific food in a controlled environment under supervision. This procedure is a safe and structured way to determine with certainty whether an individual has a genuine food allergy, providing clear results to effectively manage allergies.

From Avoidance to Immunotherapy

Food Allergy Treatment Options

For many years, managing food allergies meant strict avoidance and always keeping an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) on hand in case of accidental exposure. While avoidance is still important, newer treatments like food immunotherapy are reshaping how we approach food allergy care.

Food immunotherapy works by gradually training the immune system to tolerate an allergenic food through carefully controlled exposure. In oral immunotherapy (OIT), patients consume very small, increasing amounts of the food allergen daily to build up tolerance. Another option, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), involves placing a liquid extract of the allergen under the tongue to help reduce sensitivity over time.

At Modena Allergy & Asthma, your provider will review your (or your child’s) medical history, test results, and symptoms to determine whether OIT or SLIT is a safe and effective option. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Building Tolerance & Confidence

What are the benefits of food immunotherapy?

Food immunotherapy can be truly life-changing, offering protection against severe reactions from accidental exposure and helping families feel more secure in everyday situations. Over time, it works to increase the body’s tolerance to specific allergens—and in some cases, it may even lead to what's known as "free eating," where the once-restricted food can be enjoyed without fear. By enhancing safety, building confidence, and giving patients more freedom in their diets, food immunotherapy can dramatically improve quality of life for both individuals and their families.

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Get Tested. Get Treated.

Am I a candidate for food immunotherapy?

Food immunotherapy may be a great option if you or your child has a confirmed food allergy, especially one with a history of moderate to severe reactions or risk of anaphylaxis. Common allergens treated include:

  • Peanuts & Tree Nuts
  • Milk & Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Shellfish

Candidacy depends on several factors, including age, allergy severity, overall health, and the ability to follow a structured treatment plan. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our allergists take a comprehensive, individualized approach—reviewing your medical history, test results, and daily routines to determine if food immunotherapy is the safest and most effective path forward for you or your child.

Peace of Mind Solutions

Food Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Results

Whether your goal is to reduce the risk of reactions or work toward complete food freedom, food immunotherapy can offer life-changing results. For many patients, it provides a new level of safety, confidence, and peace of mind—both at the dinner table and in everyday life.

With oral immunotherapy (OIT), most patients see significant increases in food tolerance within 6 to 12 months. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tends to deliver steadier, more gradual results over a longer period, often spanning several months to years.

With consistent care and maintenance, many individuals experience long-term improvement, including fewer allergic reactions and, in some cases, full tolerance to previously avoided foods. For some, this leads to “free eating”—the ability to enjoy allergenic foods without fear.

Food Allergy Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, food immunotherapy is a scientifically proven treatment administered under medical supervision. This method involves controlled exposure to small amounts of the allergen, gradually increasing the dosage over time. This helps the patient's immune system build up tolerance to the food allergen and reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions. It is crucial to undergo food immunotherapy only under the guidance of trained medical professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

While there is no cure for allergies, immunotherapy can help reduce the severity of reactions and increase tolerance, thus lowering the risk of anaphylaxis. This treatment involves exposing the individual to small amounts of the allergen to desensitize the immune system over time. If you or a loved one suffer from severe allergies, consult with a medical professional to see if immunotherapy is a suitable option to manage and potentially lessen allergic reactions.
"Insurance coverage can vary. Let our team guide you through different insurance options and assist with payment plans tailored to your needs."