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Important Notice Regarding Medication Prescriptions for AHN Patients

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Food Allergies-Testing and Treatment at AHN

Food allergies can cause unpleasant, and sometimes, life-threatening reactions that may have you second-guessing everything you eat. Our food allergy specialists put you back in control. At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), we accurately diagnose the problem and offer the latest treatments to get you peace of mind.

Food allergy testing and treatment at AHN: Why choose us?

If you or your child is living with severe food allergies, care at AHN can be life-changing. We offer accurate diagnoses and deliver effective treatments that stop severe allergic reactions. Many of our patients are delighted with the freedom that comes from being able to eat at restaurants and participate in social events they once had to avoid.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Highly skilled doctors: Our allergists completed additional training (fellowships) in allergy care. This advanced knowledge helps us consistently deliver exceptional care, even for rare food allergies, such as eosinophilic esophagitis.
  • Testing for young children: AHN is one of few programs in Pittsburgh performing food allergy testing in infants. We safely test children as young as 4 months old. This information helps parents lower their child’s risk for allergic reactions.

Food allergies we treat

We treat all food allergies including:

  • Corn
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Peanuts and tree nuts
  • Sesame
  • Shellfish and other types
  • Soy
  • Wheat

Our food allergy tests

Food allergies cause symptoms such as rashes, swelling, and vomiting. But symptoms often vary, even among people who are allergic to the same foods. The best way to confirm an allergy is through allergy testing in a dedicated program like ours.

But symptoms are not the only reason to consider allergy testing. Young children with skin conditions such as eczema face a higher risk of food allergies. The risk also rises if an older sibling has a food allergy. Testing provides answers that may help your child avoid allergic reactions.

Allergy testing at AHN may include:

  • Blood test: We take a sample of blood to check for proteins (antibodies) that trigger food allergy symptoms.
  • Skin prick test: We use a small needle to place extracts of foods you may be allergic to beneath the surface of your skin. Irritations near the site mean you are producing antibodies for that food and are likely allergic.

Food allergy or food intolerance?

If eating certain foods gives you an upset stomach or headaches, the problem might not be food allergies. It may be a food intolerance.

Food intolerances occur when your body has difficulty digesting certain foods. Treatment for food intolerances requires the care of a digestive health doctor (also known as a gastroenterologist).

An allergist can determine whether the problem is a food allergy or food intolerance so you can get the care you need to feel better. At AHN, our allergists start by performing a physical exam and talking with you about your symptoms.

The next steps of your care may include:

  • Allergy testing to confirm or rule out a food allergy
  • A referral to one of our digestive health doctors (learn more about AHN’s Center for Digestive Health).

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN allergy and immunology services.