IgE-Mediated (Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions)
Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting 32 million Americans. A food allergy occurs when the immune system – your body’s natural defenses – overreacts to certain foods or substances.
IgE-mediated food allergies are potentially life-threatening and cause the immune system to react abnormally when exposed to certain foods such as peanuts, milk or eggs. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are caused by an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in the blood stream. People with this type of food allergy will react quickly – within a few minutes to a few hours of contact or consumption.
At Shepherd Allergy, located in Huntington, WV, we’re here to help you or your child identify, understand, and diagnose common food allergies with expert care and long-term treatment solutions. If you suspect you may be suffering from this condition, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shepherd for diagnosis and treatment. Now treating patients in the Huntington and Barboursville areas of West Virginia, as well as surrounding Tristate regions of southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky.
If you or your child is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek EMERGENCY medical attention immediately.
Common Triggers
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Symptoms
Skin: hives, itchy, swelling
Eyes: redness, itchy
Ears: itchy, hives, swelling
Nose: itchy, congestion
Mouth: itchy, swelling of lips or tongue
Throat: swelling, trouble breathing or speaking
Lungs: shortness of breath, cough, wheezing
Stomach: severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea
Important Reminder
If you suspect you are having an anaphylactic allergic reaction, please follow these steps quickly:
1. Use an epinephrine auto-injector
2. Call 911 to be transported to nearest emergency room (Immediately AFTER using EpiPen)
3. Don’t wait - your life depends on it!
Diagnosis
Consult with an Allergist
Treatment
Strict Avoidance of Trigger Foods