Food Allergy
Testing & Treatment
in DFW and North Texas
Where treatment leads 2 Freedom
Transforming food allergy care, one bite at a time
Food allergies affect an estimated 8% of children under age five and about 4% of adults. At our DFW food allergy clinic, we have helped families across North Texas living with these conditions. Even exposure to the tiniest amounts of an allergen can trigger reactions that range from mild or moderate to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management are key to preventing the impacts of food allergies on your health and quality of life.
Our Medical Director, Dr. Nana Mireku, has over 15 years of experience supporting families with food allergy management. As the parent of children with severe food allergies, she recognizes the challenges families face each day. Dr. Mireku is one of the few food allergy specialists in the area, and remains committed to providing evidence-based care for children and adults with food allergies.
At Safe2Bite | Texas Food Allergy Center, we continue to be the trusted provider of comprehensive food allergy treatment for families in North Texas. Our offices, located in McKinney, Prosper, Southlake and Frisco, proudly serve families from across DFW and the broader North Texas area.
What Is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an adverse response that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the protein in a specific food as harmful. This triggers a reaction which can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Food allergies are most common in infants and children, but they can develop at any age. Some people even develop sudden allergic responses to foods they’ve eaten for years.
It’s important to note that food allergies are different from food intolerances. Both are adverse reactions to certain foods, but they differ in how they occur and the severity of their symptoms. Food allergies typically involve an immune system response that can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Food intolerances, on the other hand, involve the digestive system, and the reactions are usually limited to discomfort or illness after eating a specific food.
What Are Common
Food Allergy Symptoms?
Food allergies can produce symptoms that range from mild to severe and may vary depending on the specific allergen. Even the smallest amounts of exposure to certain foods can cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. If you have a food allergy, keeping an epinephrine delivery device with you at all times can be life-saving in the event of an emergency. Along with emergency preparedness, food allergy treatment options can help patients manage symptoms.
North Texas patients can find relief from the following symptoms with a range of proven food allergy treatment options. Oral immunotherapy is a desensitization treatment that involves consuming small amounts of a food allergen through buildup and maintenance phases. For a person with more than one food allergy, multi-food immunotherapy aims to build tolerance to multiple allergens simultaneously. Another immunotherapy option is food allergy drops (SLIT), which use allergen extract drops administered under the tongue to help desensitize the immune system.
Hives, welts, itching or skin rashes.
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or eyes.
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
A tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth, throat or ears.
Difficulty breathing, wheezing or persistent cough.
Severe swelling of the throat or tongue, making it difficult to breathe.
Tightening of the throat, paleness or lethargy.
Dizziness, fainting, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness.
Food Allergy Resources
What Are Common Types of Food Allergies?
While any food can cause an adverse reaction, the following are the most common causes of adverse reactions in children and adults.
- Peanuts – Peanut allergy is a common food allergy, especially among children, and can be severe and life-threatening if not treated promptly. Exposure to even trace amounts of peanuts can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Peanut allergy treatment includes immunotherapy options to reduce sensitivity over time, with testing and an allergy emergency plan also playing important roles in the overall plan.
- Eggs – Allergy to eggs is one of the most common food allergies in children. It typically occurs due to proteins in eggs, usually egg whites, producing a mild to severe allergic response.
- Milk – Cow’s milk is the most common cause of food allergy among babies and young children. While most children outgrow their allergy to milk, it continues to be a leading concern among adults.
- Tree Nuts – Tree nut allergies are common among children and adults and can sometimes be severe without prompt care. Examples of tree nuts known for causing allergic responses are hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts.
- Shellfish – Shellfish allergy can develop at any age, including in babies and toddlers, but it is more common in adults. Shellfish include crabs, lobsters, shrimp, prawns and scallops.
- Seeds – Seeds that trigger allergies include sesame, sunflower, mustard, poppy and even flaxseed. They are found in many foods, like baked goods, cereals, granola products, salad dressings and seed oils, which is why it’s important to read food labels carefully. Seed allergy treatment includes immunotherapy options based on the specific seed allergy and the patient’s needs, with test results helping inform the treatment plan.
Accurately diagnosing food allergies is critical to preventing potentially life-threatening reactions. It helps you understand specific triggers and develop appropriate management plans to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Why Choose Safe2Bite for Your Food Allergy Treatment
North Texas families trust Safe2Bite for their food allergy needs and there are many reasons why. Our board-certified food allergy specialist is recognized across Dallas-Fort Worth for her extensive skill, experience and expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing food allergies. Patients travel from all over the metroplex and beyond to seek her thorough, thoughtful and state-of-the-art care. We offer food allergy clinic locations in McKinney, Prosper, Southlake and Frisco, ensuring easy access from anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Before recommending a treatment option, we perform food allergy testing to identify the allergens that are triggering symptoms. The most common test we perform is skin prick testing. For this, we place a number of allergens on a patient’s arm or back and lightly prick the skin. The appearance of a raised red bump at the site is a sign of an allergy.
When skin testing is not possible, then blood testing is most often used. We draw blood at one of our food allergy treatment centers and send it for laboratory analysis. This analysis can identify a sensitivity to an allergen, but the results still require an allergist’s comprehensive assessment that includes symptoms, medical history, and family history of allergies in conjunction with the test results.
An oral food challenge is often called the gold standard of allergy testing. The test itself can take several hours to complete, and it allows an allergist to monitor how a patient responds to eating small, measured amounts of the problem food. When a patient experiences a reaction during the challenge it confirms an allergy, providing the allergist with the information needed for an accurate diagnosis.
The following is what you can expect.
Convenient
Appointments
We start with a telehealth consultation, during which our board-certified allergist evaluates your symptoms and medical history in preparation for your in-person visit.
Advanced
Testing
We will recommend diagnostic testing based on your unique needs to determine specific food allergies and their severity.
Whole-Person
Treatment Plans
We personalize your treatments, not only focusing on allergies but also addressing your nutritional, emotional, and day-to-day management needs.
Food Allergy Questions Parents Often Ask
What is the most accurate way to diagnose a food allergy?
Once the clinical history is established, a combination of skin testing, blood testing and oral food challenges provides the most reliable results.
Are food allergies more common in children than adults?
Yes, especially peanut, milk, and egg allergies. Some food allergies persist into adulthood.
Can Safe2Bite treat multiple food allergies at once?
Yes, we offer customized plans, including multi-food oral immunotherapy (OIT).
Food Allergy Testing and Treatment
in DFW and North Texas
Have you been searching for allergy testing near me? Whether you’re looking for a food allergy diagnosis in McKinney, Prosper, Southlake, Frisco, or food allergy treatment in Dallas-Fort Worth, our board-certified allergist and team at Safe2Bite are here for you. From diagnosis to treatment and ongoing management, you can always count on us for personalized, compassionate care. We invite you to call (469) 916-5504 or book your consultation today.