Public perception of food allergies is exaggerated

By Keith Loria

According to studies done by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 12 million Americans have food allergies.

“The public perception of food allergy may be somewhat exaggerated," Dr. Paul Detjen, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated allergist and immunologist in Chicago, said. "Patients use the word 'allergy' loosely. Allergists use it to specifically refer to an immediate reaction to a food with itchy hives or anaphylaxis, which is confirmed by an IgE skin test or IgE blood test, although the skin test is more physiologic.

"Because allergies are a bit of a black box, there are a lot of patients walking around with this myth of ‘I think I’m allergic to this or told allergic to this’ and they don’t have this allergy anymore.”

Dr. Detjen says it's important to talk to the patients to explain what is happening before going straight to the blood test.

“Some health care providers also may inadvertently use the blood tests alone to make the diagnosis of food allergy," Dr. Detjen said. "In general, the diagnosis requires an allergic story confirmed by an IgE, or allergic antibody, skin test or blood test. IgG blood testing, versus the allergic antibody IgE, is fraught with even more ambiguity. Many of us have positive levels of IgG antibody to some foods. However the clinical relevance of these tests is far from certain.”

Dr. Detjen says that food allergies, however, are certainly more frequent than in decades past, both in children and adults, and that those who suffer need to understand what is going on.

“Its all about education," Dr. Detjen said. "Nearly 75 percent of our face to face time with patients is trying to explain to them public awareness. The take home message isn’t that food allergies aren’t as big as people think. They are real, but you want to find out if you are one of the real ones so you can be ready. Or if you are not, then don’t avoid that food.”

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, there is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of food allergens and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.

The most common food allergies, according to Dr. Detjen, are milk and eggs,which are usually outgrown. It’s not unusual, however, for an adult to develop a new allergy to something like shrimp even if they have tolerated it in the past without incident.  

Dr. Paul Detjen, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered to be best in allergy and immunology in Chicago. He specializes in the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergies.