Thirty-three million Americans have food allergies, some of which are severe and life-threatening. Classic Thanksgiving dishes — especially casseroles — are often packed with common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.
To stay safe as you enjoy the holiday, it’s important to know which foods trigger reactions and how to prevent them. That’s where Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and the team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, can help. We provide allergy testing to identify sensitivities, along with treatment.
Once you know your triggers, you can plan your holiday meals with confidence. In the meantime, learn more about food allergies below, and get five quick tips to help you dodge food allergy emergencies and keep everyone safe around the table — without killing the festive vibe.
Here are the symptoms that may indicate you or a loved one has food allergies:
Allergy testing with Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates helps determine which foods you or your child is allergic to.
Consider these five tips for avoiding allergic reactions around the Thanksgiving dinner table this holiday season and beyond:
If you’re at risk of a severe allergic reaction to certain foods, make sure to carry an epinephrine pen with you at all times. Inform friends and family that you have this pen with you, so they’re aware and can assist you in case of a food-allergy emergency. If you need an EpiPen, see Dr. Paluvoi for a food allergy evaluation.
If you’re unsure if there are hidden ingredients in Thanksgiving casseroles and similar dishes containing a multitude of ingredients, it’s best to pass on them. Focus on whole foods you know won’t cause a reaction, and bring your own dish (free from food allergens) to pass as a back-up plan.
If you’re not in charge of Thanksgiving dinner this year, inform your host about your allergies to reduce the potential for cross-contamination of allergy-causing hidden ingredients. They may be willing to set aside allergy-free dishes in a separate area to avoid unintentional mixing with other foods.
Avoid Thanksgiving foods containing a multitude of ingredients, especially casseroles and other mixed side dishes. Focus on whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, turkey, plain baked potatoes, and steamed rice without added ingredients.
If you have severe allergies and don’t want to risk a reaction to a potluck-style Thanksgiving meal, simply eat ahead of time and snack on foods you know are allergen-free.
The best way to stay safe around Thanksgiving feasts is to learn if you or your child has a food allergy. Undergo allergy and asthma testing with Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates to learn how to best manage potential allergic reactions with a personalized treatment plan.
You might also have environmental, chemical, or medication allergies you hadn’t previously known about.
Contact us today at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates by calling our office or requesting an appointment online to undergo screening or treatment for food allergies.
