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Food Allergies

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 Testingmeaningful Treatment

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

At our office in San Diego 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.

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, structured planning around serious reaction concerns, and potential for long-term planning.
  • Downtime: Minimal to none; testing and treatments are outpatient and closely monitored.
  • Treatment Duration: Varies by individual—desensitization may take several months to years.

Careful Testing & Clear Next Steps

Why is food allergy testing important?

With food allergies San Diego patients can experience symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to serious allergic reactions, 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.
  • Serious allergic reactions: 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 supervised 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 serious allergic reactions. This test, conducted through a basic blood draw, is commonly used 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 supervised diagnostic 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 a supervised method for evaluating food allergies. This visit may involve consuming measured quantities of a specific food in a controlled environment under supervision. This procedure is structured and supervised to help determine whether an individual has a genuine food allergy, providing information for follow-up planning.

From Avoidance to Immunotherapy

Food Allergy Treatment Options

For many years, managing food allergies meant strict avoidance and always keeping an emergency action plan 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 follow a structured care plan. 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 supervised option. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Building a Care Plan With Confidence

What are the benefits of food immunotherapy?

Food immunotherapy can support families with structured planning for accidental exposure concerns and everyday routines. Over time, it works to follow a structured plan for specific allergens—and in some cases, it may even lead to what's known as "broader food options when appropriate," where previously restricted foods may be discussed with clearer guidance. By enhancing care planning, building confidence, and giving patients more clarity in daily food decisions, food immunotherapy can support quality-of-life goals for both individuals and their families.

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Get Tested. Get Treated.

Am I a candidate for food allergies testing?

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 serious reactions or risk of serious allergic reactions. 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 to testing for food allergies—reviewing your medical history, test results, and daily routines to determine if food immunotherapy is the most appropriate 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 broader daily options, food immunotherapy can offer clearer care plans. 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 measurable changes in care goals 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 clearer reaction planning and, in some cases, broader care goals for previously avoided foods. For some, this leads to “broader food options when appropriate”—the ability to make food decisions with clearer guidance.

Food Allergies

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, food immunotherapy is a supervised care option 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 follow a structured care plan to the food allergen and supports planning around serious allergic reaction concerns. It is crucial to undergo food immunotherapy only under the guidance of trained medical professionals to ensure oversight and fit.

While there is food allergies require ongoing planning, immunotherapy can help reduce the severity of reactions and review care goals, thus lowering the risk of serious allergic reactions. 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.