You At Your Best

Allergies • April 2019

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SpECiAl TO NWA DEMOCrAT-GAzETTE Dr. Jamal Abdin, Dr. Jantzen Slater and Deborah Sweatt, APRN provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care for all ages at the Washington Regional Farmington Family Clinic. Services offered at Farmington Family Clinic include preventive care, physicals, treatment of acute illnesses and injuries, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Jamal Abdin earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed an AHEC residency at UAMS– Northwest. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Slater earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed a family medicine residency at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Deborah Sweatt, APRN, earned her master's in nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is an advanced practice nurse certified in family and pediatrics by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Appointments at Farmington Family Clinic, located at 199 E. Main Street, are available by calling 479-463-1001. The clinic is open Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. More information is available at wregional.com. Primary care for all ages at Farmington Family Clinic SpECiAl TO NWA DEMOCrAT-GAzETTE Have you ever had a bad reaction to a specific food and wondered if you might be allergic? As many as one out of three people think they might have a food allergy, when in fact, food allergies are quite rare — only about four percent of adults have been diagnosed with one. Most food reactions are due to a much more common condition known as a food intolerance. "A food intolerance may cause reactions similar to a food allergy, but is much less serious," says Jantzen Slater, M.D., of the Washington Regional Farmington Family Clinic. "Food intolerance symptoms typically are limited to digestive issues." In contrast, food allergies can sometimes cause a very severe reaction: anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be fatal, as it causes constriction of the airways, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, shock, a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know enters a state of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately. "Some people with food allergies have life-threatening reactions triggered by even the smallest amount of a specific food, whereas people with a food intolerance may still be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without a serious reaction," Dr. Slater says. "Also, with food intolerance you may have options that can help you prevent a reaction. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to drink lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme pills to aid digestion." The causes of food intolerance vary, Dr. Slater says, and can occur when a person has: • Absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. Lactose intolerance is an example of this type of food intolerance. • Celiac disease. Celiac disease is triggered by eating gluten, which is a protein found in grains such as wheat. • Irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of this chronic condition include cramping, constipation and diarrhea. • Sensitivity to food additives. Sulfites used to preserve dried fruit, canned goods and wine, for instance, can trigger asthma attacks in people with this sensitivity. "If you notice you are having reactions after eating a particular food, it's helpful to see a doctor," Dr. Slater says. At your appointment, be prepared to discuss family health history and to give a detailed description of which foods and in what quantities seem to cause symptoms. You may be asked to keep a food diary of your eating habits and symptoms. "Sometimes I recommend that patients eliminate all suspected foods from their diet and then slowly reintroduce them one at a time. This elimination diet can be helpful in determining which foods are causing the problems," Dr. Slater says. "Whether food allergy or food intolerance, it's important to learn ways to manage it." Food allergy or food intolerance? Symptoms of food allergies generally occur within a few minutes to two hours after eating the problem food. Common allergy symptoms include: • Itching or tingling in the mouth • Difficulty breathing or swallowing • Hives • Eczema • Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face • Diarrhea or vomiting • Dizziness or fainting These symptoms require immediate medical attention. SATURdAY, mARch 30, 2019 | ApRil - AllERgiES nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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