A modern clinic for at-home treatments
(857) 240-1080
Holiday Sale! Get started today for only
$49$4.99
Common in children, though many outgrow it by adulthood. Found in dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter.
Often present in baked goods, mayonnaise, and some vaccines. Egg allergy is also frequently outgrown in childhood.
One of the leading causes of severe allergic reactions, often found in snacks, candies, and sauces.
Includes almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and hazelnuts. Tree nut allergies are usually lifelong.
Found in soy milk, tofu, edamame, and processed foods. Commonly used as a food additive or emulsifier.
Linked to many processed foods, wheat allergies differ from celiac disease, which involves gluten intolerance.
Includes species like salmon, tuna, and cod. Fish allergies often develop in adulthood and are usually lifelong.
Includes crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (e.g., clams, mussels, squid). Shellfish allergies are common and often persist throughout life.
A rising allergen globally, found in sesame seeds, oil, tahini, and some bread products.
While not part of the "Big 9," certain foods like mustard, celery, lupin, and corn can also trigger allergies in some individuals.
Some individuals may experience cross-reactivity, where proteins in certain foods resemble those in other allergens. For instance, people allergic to birch pollen might also react to raw apples or carrots, a condition known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).
Understanding these common allergens and their potential presence in food products is essential for individuals with food allergies and their caregivers. For those unsure of their specific triggers, local allergy clinics or online specialists like Curex can perform testing and guide you toward safe dietary choices.
A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives a particular food (or a substance within it) as harmful and mounts an immune response. In people with a food allergy, the immune system creates Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that target specific proteins in the offending food. When these individuals consume, touch, or even inhale the allergenic food, these antibodies recognize the food proteins and trigger the release of chemicals—histamine being a prime example—which then bring about the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Food allergy symptoms vary in severity and often emerge within minutes to a couple of hours after exposure. These symptoms may include:
If you notice two or more of these symptom types occurring together, this may indicate anaphylaxis, requiring immediate treatment (e.g., an epinephrine injection) and a call to emergency services.
If you suspect a mild food allergy, seek guidance from a local allergist or an online provider like Curex. Curex can help identify the specific allergen(s) and recommend an appropriate management plan.
Experts continue to investigate the reasons behind the apparent rise in food allergies, and current research points to a variety of contributing factors:
According to this theory, today’s cleaner environments may lead to less exposure to everyday germs, thereby causing the immune system to overreact to harmless substances, including food proteins.
Bloomfield SF, Rook GA, Scott EA, Shanahan F, Stanwell-Smith R. Time to abandon the hygiene hypothesis. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2016; 16: 659.
Shifts in eating patterns, lack of dietary diversity, and the rise in Dietary Changes industrialized food production may be increasing our exposure to potential allergens. Modern eating patterns and reduced dietary variety weaken our microbiome and immune defenses. Additionally, pediatric guidance that once recommended avoiding allergens has limited the development of natural immunity.
Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Food allergy: A review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2018; 141(1): 41-58.
Growing evidence indicates that the widespread use of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome. This disruption may contribute to immune dysregulation and a higher risk of developing food allergies.
Stokholm J, Sevelsted A, Bønnelykke K, Bisgaard H. Maternal propensity for infections and risk of childhood asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2017; 28(8): 779-784. (Though focused on asthma, studies on microbiome health echo similar concerns for food allergies.)
Better access to allergy testing and heightened awareness among both healthcare professionals and the public have led to more frequent, accurate diagnoses.
Turner PJ, Gowland MH, Sharma V, et al. Increase in anaphylaxis-related hospitalizations but no increase in fatalities: an analysis of United Kingdom national anaphylaxis data, 1992–2012. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015; 135(4): 956–963.
Skin prick testing involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergen on the skin and then lightly pricking it to introduce the allergen. If an individual is allergic, a localized reaction (e.g., redness, itching, swelling) typically appears within minutes. Although this method offers quick results and the ability to test multiple allergens in one session, there is a potential risk of anaphylaxis, so it must be done in a medical setting equipped to handle emergencies.
Measuring IgE levels against specific allergens is another reliable way to identify food allergies, with three common options for sample collection: visiting a local lab where a professional will draw your blood, using an at-home phlebotomy service where a certified provider collects a sample in the comfort of your home, or utilizing a self-collection device for a finger-prick test that you mail to a testing center. Each approach offers unique benefits—such as convenience, flexibility, or professional oversight—and can help confirm a food allergy diagnosis so you can take appropriate steps to manage your condition.
Often considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies, an oral food challenge involves consuming gradually increasing amounts of a suspected allergen under close medical supervision. Healthcare professionals carefully monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction, ready to intervene if necessary. Although this method provides definitive confirmation, it carries a higher risk of anaphylaxis and should only be performed in a properly equipped clinic.
While the terms “food allergy” and “food sensitivity” are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different types of adverse reactions and involve distinct physiological mechanisms.
A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system—often, but not always, IgE-mediated—to a specific protein in a food. Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and dairy. Can include hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Because of the immune system’s involvement, even small amounts of the allergen can cause serious reactions.
A food sensitivity is typically used to describe non-immunologic reactions. These responses are not driven by IgE or other immune pathways but can still cause symptoms. Examples include lactose intolerance (due to lactase enzyme deficiency) and certain reactions to food additives.
Symptoms may include bloating, gas, headaches, or fatigue. Symptoms are usually not life-threatening and often dose-dependent, meaning larger quantities of the offending food are needed to trigger a reaction. Unlike allergies, food sensitivities generally do not involve a systemic immune response and do not carry a risk of anaphylaxis.
IgG testing has gained popularity in recent years as a way to detect potential food sensitivities. However, most experts and major allergy organizations caution against relying on IgG test results due to high rates of false positives. The presence of IgG antibodies often reflects exposure to a specific food rather than a genuine sensitivity or intolerance.
Instead, the gold standard for diagnosing food sensitivities is an elimination diet. Under medical supervision, individuals remove suspected foods from their daily meals and carefully monitor any changes in symptoms. After a set period, they gradually reintroduce each food item to determine whether it triggers a reaction. This method provides more accurate, individualized insight into true food sensitivities than current IgG-based testing approaches.
Treatments for food sensitivities aim to manage symptoms by identifying triggers, modifying the diet, and addressing any underlying issues with digestion or gut health.
Once sensitivities have been diagnosed (see above), it is generally recommended to avoid the food in question. While strict avoidance (as in food allergy) is not always necessary, limiting problematic foods to a level that doesn’t trigger symptoms can help maintain a balanced diet. For lactose intolerance, you can take lactase enzyme supplements. Sometimes symptom medications may help provide relief, like antispasmodic medications may be recommended to help control digestive symptoms.
Lastly, there is some evidence suggesting that improving the diversity of gut bacteria can help reduce sensitivity symptoms. That may be accomplished with probiotics and prebiotics. Also, because stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, interventions such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or yoga may be beneficial.
Reference: Ford AC, Lacy BE, Talley NJ. Irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet. 2017; 389(10066): 1288–1298.
Managing food allergies typically involves a combination of strict avoidance, emergency preparedness (particularly with epinephrine), the use of biologics like Xolair, and, for those seeking a potential cure, immunotherapy.
Children may outgrow certain allergies and adults can develop new ones. So it may be helpful to conduct periodic retesting and carefully monitor symptoms during exposure.
Carrying an epinephrine option is essential for anyone at risk of anaphylaxis. Below are some common choices:
The most widely recognized auto-injector, featuring a straightforward, single-step design.
Notable for its compact size and voice instructions, which can make it easier to administer.
Functions similarly to other auto-injectors, though insurance coverage and availability may differ.
A nasally administered form of epinephrine.
Specially prepared by certain pharmacies to meet specific patient needs.
Xolair (omalizumab) is an injectable medication indicated for use in individuals aged 1 and older to help manage food allergies. It does so by blocking a key component of the body’s allergic response, thereby lowering the likelihood of severe reactions. This makes Xolair especially beneficial for individuals undergoing oral or sublingual immunotherapy as they work on gradually increasing their tolerance.
However, it’s important to note that Xolair is not a cure for food allergies. It is often quite expensive—up to $60,000 per year—and requires biweekly injections. Furthermore, Xolair does not alter the underlying disease process, meaning long-term use may be necessary unless the patient undergoes allergy immunotherapy. Lastly, Xolair should not be used as an emergency treatment: patients must still carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) for acute allergic reactions.
Oral immunotherapy typically involves consuming small, gradually increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision. Over weeks or months, the immune system may become more tolerant to the allergen. A recent clinical trial in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that OIT can help reduce the likelihood of severe reactions in children with peanut allergies. While highly effective for some, OIT does require strict adherence to the regimen and ongoing maintenance doses. In most practices, OIT treatment is prepared on-site by healthcare providers using off-the-shelf ingredients (such as peanut flour), which can introduce inconsistencies and limit quality control.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing a small dose of allergen extract under the tongue daily, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa. Over time, this gradual exposure helps desensitize the immune system to the allergen, reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
Unlike OIT, SLIT is prepared by specialized pharmacies (e.g., Allergychoices) using pharmaceutical-grade allergenic extracts to create highly precise treatment sets, ensuring greater accuracy and quality control.
Research published in JAMA Network Open and other leading journals has shown that SLIT is effective in increasing allergen tolerance, particularly for children and adults with peanut, milk, egg, and other common food allergies. Participants in these studies reported fewer severe reactions and a higher quality of life compared to those undergoing OIT.
Kim EH, et al. Open-label study of the efficacy, safety, and durability of peanut sublingual immunotherapy in peanut-allergic children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Published online February 17, 2023.
Patients consult with an allergist to identify their specific allergens through testing. Curex can use existing test results or order new in-lab or at-home tests.
A personalized allergen extract is prepared in a highly diluted by #1 allergy immunotherapy pharmacy Allergychoices
The patient places the extract under the tongue and holds it there for 1-2 minutes before swallowing. This process is repeated daily.
Over time, the immune system becomes less reactive to the allergen, reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions during accidental exposure.
Patients seeking a safer, less invasive alternative to OIT.
Individuals with a history of severe reactions to allergens.
Those who prefer at-home treatment to minimize clinic visits.
At Curex, we offer personalized SLIT treatment plans tailored to your specific allergies and lifestyle. Our board-certified allergists provide ongoing support to ensure your safety and progress throughout the program. If you’re interested in learning more, sign up for our Free Webinar, where a clinical expert will explain SLIT in detail and answer your questions.
If you’re unsure of the best course of action for managing your food allergy, consider joining Curex’s free Food Allergy Webinar hosted by our team of clinical allergists. This session will cover available treatment options, including those offered through Curex, and help you determine the best path forward. To sign up, simply fill out the form below.