Food Allergies
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EatWellGuru
Maryam Dadkhah, Ph.D., RDN, CPT
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist located in Vienna, VA
Do you suffer from frustrating food allergies in the Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. Metro area? Dr. Maryam Dadkhah at EatWellGuru will work with you to create a personalized diet to work around your allergies.
Food Allergies Q & A
What are the signs and symptoms of food allergies?
Food allergies are actually very common in the United States, causing someone to visit the ER every three seconds. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to food can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms can result in a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Mild symptoms may involve diarrhea, eczema, hives, an itchy mouth or ear canal, runny nose, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, a dry cough, and redness around the eyes.
Severe symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, weak pulse, drop in blood pressure, and trouble swallowing. If you experience any of the severe symptoms alone or in conjunction with mild symptoms, you may be experiencing anaphylaxis. See a doctor immediately if this happens.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose your food allergies by completing a thorough review of your medical history and asking questions about your symptoms. You will then be required to have tests completed to verify if you have a food allergy. These can be both blood and skin exams.
Once these results come back, your doctor may also do an oral food challenge to determine the intensity of the allergy. This test involves the gradual consumption of small amounts of trigger food to then be observed for reactions.
How do I live with food allergies?
The best way to manage food allergies is to avoid eating trigger foods. Dr. Dadkhah will work with you to create a personalized diet plan that excludes problem foods. She will also educate you on how to examine food labels and ask questions in restaurants to determine if the food you are eating has traces of the trigger food.
If you think you have a food allergy, make an appointment with Dr. Dadkhah by calling one of our Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. Metro area clinics.
Payment Options
Not all insurance providers cover nutrition services. Please call the number on your insurance card prior to your visit to learn if medical nutrition therapy services are a covered benefit. When you call us to make an appointment, we will also obtain your insurance information to check your insurance coverage. We bill your insurance provider for each visit, and you cover the co-payment or deductible. The amount that you owe depends on the specific health insurance plan you have. For your co-payment or for those who prefer to pay out-of-pocket, we accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards.
Words from our patients
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"She has helped me to lose weight, but more importantly, she's helped me become healthier by teaching me the right foods to eat in the right quantity."
