Food & Drug Allergies
Answers and support for reactions that put your health at risk.
If you’ve experienced hives, swelling, stomach upset, difficulty breathing — or in worst cases anaphylaxis — after eating certain foods or taking medication, you may have a food or drug allergy. While some reactions are mild, others can be severe or even life-threatening — and many people aren’t sure what triggered them in the first place.
At Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan, our board-certified Allergy & Immunology physicians help patients identify, manage, and prepare for allergic reactions caused by foods, medications, and certain additives. We also diagnose and treat complex allergy-related conditions, such as Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Whether you’ve had a past reaction or just want to know what to avoid, we’re here to provide clarity and peace of mind.
If you’re concerned about a food or medication allergy, schedule a visit today.
Common Symptoms
Food and drug allergies can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, including:
- Itching, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment
- Delayed skin reactions, such as rash or eczema
- Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, weight loss or chest discomfort related to Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
How We Diagnose
Diagnosis starts with a review of your symptoms and reaction history. Depending on your case, we may recommend:
- Skin testing for specific food or drug triggers
- Blood testing to measure IgE (allergic antibody) levels
- Elimination diets with careful reintroduction, when food allergy is suspected
- Graded oral challenges performed under medical supervision to confirm or rule out specific food or medication allergies
- Evaluation for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) in coordination with gastroenterology, when symptoms suggest inflammation of the esophagus
- Referral to additional specialists if further testing is required
We’ll work closely with you to determine what’s causing your reactions and how to move forward safely.
Treatment Options
Food and drug allergy care focuses on prevention, preparation, and evidence-based therapies that reduce your risk of reactions. Your treatment plan may include:
- Avoidance and emergency plans — personalized guidance on what to avoid, how to read labels, and when to use epinephrine or other emergency tools.
- Xolair (omalizumab) — an FDA-approved biologic for food allergies (2024). Xolair can reduce the risk of reactions from accidental exposure and is given every 2–4 weeks. Many insurance plans cover Xolair, and our team helps with all prior authorizations.
- Oral immunotherapy — therapy that helps desensitize patients with allergy such as peanut, egg, cashew.
- Medication desensitization — supervised protocols when a medication is medically necessary and no alternatives exist.
- Dietary allergy management — customized plans and food sensitivity support for children, adults, and families navigating multiple food restrictions.
- FPIES evaluation and care — diagnosis and management for Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.
- Specialized peanut allergy treatment — advanced diagnostic and desensitization options.
- Specialized care for EoE — targeted management when food-driven inflammation affects the esophagus.
We’ll help you build a plan that improves safety, confidence, and long-term control — so you can live more freely with food or medication allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
An allergy triggers an immune system response — often immediate and potentially serious. An intolerance typically causes digestive symptoms but is not life-threatening.
Some children outgrow certain food allergies (like milk or egg), but others — like peanut or shellfish — are more likely to persist. Testing and monitoring help guide your care.
Yes — especially for antibiotics like penicillin. However, testing varies depending on the medication and should be done under medical supervision.
Some people are sensitive to additives like sulfites, MSG, or food dyes. These reactions are often called “intolerances” but can still cause symptoms such as hives, asthma, or digestive upset.
We’ll start with a detailed history and use testing and elimination strategies to narrow it down.
If you’ve had a severe reaction or are at risk for anaphylaxis, yes. We’ll help you understand when and how to use it.
Clarity, Confidence, and Safety
If you’re living with food or drug allergy concerns, Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan can help you take control. Schedule an appointment today for expert testing and support.