Contact Locations Call
Accent Image

Food Allergy Testing & Treatment in Long Beach

Comprehensive food allergy testing and treatment plans to help patients in Long Beach safely manage allergies and improve quality of life.

Mother and daughter spending time with a cat.

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

Food allergies can make everyday moments feel uncertain—from mealtime stress to constant worry about accidental exposures. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, we’re here to change that. Our experienced team delivers precise allergy testing and evidence-based treatments to help you or your child live more freely and confidently.

We go beyond simple avoidance strategies. Using advanced diagnostics and proven therapies like food immunotherapy, we help reduce allergic sensitivity and improve long-term safety. Whether you're managing severe allergies or seeking a second opinion, we offer personalized care rooted in research and compassion.

Background Image

Food Allergy Testing & Treatment at a Glance

  • What It Is: Comprehensive diagnostic testing and advanced desensitization therapies to identify food allergies and build long-term tolerance.
  • Who It Helps: Ideal for both children and adults with known or suspected food allergies, especially those at risk of anaphylaxis.
  • Key Benefits: Accurate diagnosis, reduced risk of severe allergic reactions, improved quality of life, and the potential for food freedom.
  • Downtime: Minimal — testing and treatments are outpatient, safe, and carefully supervised.
  • Treatment Timeline: Varies by case; oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual therapies often take several months to a few years for full effect.

Precision Testing. Personalized Care.

Why is food allergy testing important?

Food allergies can trigger anything from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis — but not every positive test reflects a true allergy. Over-reliance on a single blood or skin test can lead to unnecessary food avoidance and anxiety. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, we go beyond surface-level results. Our board-certified allergists use a layered approach—including detailed medical history, advanced diagnostics, and in-office food challenges—to deliver accurate answers and peace of mind.

Trust our team to uncover the real cause behind your symptoms and help you make informed decisions about your health and diet.

Smiling man in black shirt by water.

When to Consider Food Allergy Testing

You or your child should consider food allergy testing if symptoms consistently appear after eating. Common indicators of a potential food allergy include:

  • Skin Reactions: Hives, itching, redness, or swelling (often on the face, hands, or feet)
  • Mouth & Throat Symptoms: Tingling, itching, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
  • Respiratory Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  • Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing following a sudden drop in blood pressure

If these symptoms occur—even occasionally—comprehensive testing at Modena Allergy & Asthma can help uncover the cause and guide the safest path forward.

Discover What’s Causing Your Reaction

What types of food allergy tests are available?

To accurately identify food allergies, our specialists may recommend one or more of the following testing methods, depending on your symptoms and medical history. Each approach is designed to provide precise insight into how your body responds to specific foods.

Blood Testing (sIgE)

This test measures food-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to detect potential allergic reactions. It’s highly sensitive and performed through a simple blood draw. While useful, results can sometimes show false positives—so they’re always reviewed alongside your symptoms and history.

Skin Prick Testing

This test involves placing small amounts of suspected allergens on your skin using a tiny, sterile device. If a raised bump appears, it may indicate sensitivity. Skin testing is safe, quick, and often performed during your first visit.

Oral Food Challenge (OFC)

Considered the gold standard in allergy diagnosis, an oral food challenge involves consuming small, gradually increasing amounts of a specific food under direct medical supervision. It’s the most accurate way to confirm or rule out a true food allergy.

From Avoidance to Empowerment

Food Allergy Treatment Options

Traditionally, food allergies were managed through strict avoidance and carrying emergency epinephrine (like an EpiPen) in case of accidental exposure. While avoidance is still essential, today’s treatments go further—offering real hope through food immunotherapy.

Food immunotherapy gradually trains the immune system to tolerate allergens through controlled exposure:

  • Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Involves consuming small, increasing amounts of the allergenic food daily to build tolerance over time.
  • Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): A liquid extract of the food allergen is placed under the tongue to safely reduce sensitivity.

At Modena Allergy & Asthma in Long Beach, we tailor your treatment plan based on your health history, allergy test results, and lifestyle—ensuring safe, effective care for lasting relief.

Building Tolerance

What are the benefits of food immunotherapy?

Food immunotherapy offers more than allergy management—it provides peace of mind. By gradually increasing tolerance to specific food allergens, this treatment helps reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposures.

Many patients experience greater freedom in daily life, with fewer dietary restrictions and less anxiety around meals, travel, or social events. In some cases, food immunotherapy may even lead to "free eating," where previously dangerous foods can be reintroduced without fear.

For families navigating food allergies, the result is life-changing: more confidence, more choices, and a better overall quality of life.

Woman sitting on rocks in casual outfit.

Gain a Greater Peace of Mind

Am I a candidate for food immunotherapy?

If you or your child has a diagnosed food allergy—especially one that carries a risk of severe reactions or anaphylaxis—food immunotherapy could be a powerful step toward long-term safety.

Common allergens we treat include:

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

Eligibility depends on factors like age, reaction history, and your ability to follow a daily treatment plan. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our specialists will assess your full medical history, test results, and lifestyle to determine if food immunotherapy is the right choice for your family. Our goal: safer eating and fewer restrictions.

From Caution to Confidence

Food Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Results

Food immunotherapy has the power to transform daily life—whether you're aiming to lower reaction risk or work toward complete food freedom. With the right treatment plan, many patients gain a stronger sense of safety and ease in everyday situations.

Most individuals undergoing oral immunotherapy (OIT) see noticeable improvements in tolerance within 6 to 12 months. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a slower, more gradual path to progress, often unfolding over several months or years.

With consistent care and follow-through, long-term results are possible, including fewer allergic reactions, greater peace of mind, and, for some, the ability to freely enjoy foods they once had to avoid.

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.

While allergies have no cure, immunotherapy offers relief by lessening reactions and building tolerance. By gradually exposing patients to allergens, the immune system becomes desensitized. This minimizes the risk of severe reactions like anaphylaxis. If you or someone you know has debilitating allergies, seek advice from a medical expert. Consider immunotherapy as a viable solution to manage and alleviate allergic symptoms effectively.

Our dedicated team offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. We provide expert guidance on plan details and can craft personalized payment plans.