You At Your Best

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 Steven Spencer, M.D., of Washington Regional's Har-Ber Family Clinic in Springdale. "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. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Spencer says. "Whether food allergy or food intolerance, it's important to learn ways to manage it." 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. Food allergy or Food intolerance? Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Dr. Steven Spencer and Dr. Larisse Tantchou provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care for all ages at Washington Regional's Har- Ber Family Clinic in Springdale. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Spencer earned his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Alabama/Huntsville Hospital. He has been providing care for Northwest Arkansas families since 1994, including 11 years at the Washington Regional Emergency Department. Dr. Tantchou earned her medical degree at the University of Ulm in Germany and completed a family medicine residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Area Health Education Center — Northwest. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Tantchou has been providing care for area families since 2011. Appointments at Har-Ber Family Clinic are available by calling (479) 463-2333. The clinic is located at Washington Regional's Springdale Center for Health, which offers a number of medical services for the entire family at 813 Founders Park Drive, Suite 206, in the Har-Ber Meadows neighborhood. Har-Ber Family Clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. More information is available at wregional.com. Primary care for all ages at Har-Ber Family clinic Dr. Steven Spencer Dr. Larisse Tantchou 12 | YoU AT YoUR beST | nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS | SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018

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