Chickpea Allergy

Treatment & Testing

Chickpea Allergy Treatment in NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side

Chickpeas are a common allergen, particularly in the Mediterranean, South Asian and Middle Eastern diets. Dr. Atul Shah and the team at NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFA) provide expert diagnosis and treatment for chickpea allergies, offering comprehensive and customized care plans. Our experience at NYFA is that many South Asian origin patients with chickpea allergy have associated Indian Lentils (Dals) allergies. There are many varient of Indian Lentils and their allergy needs to be identified based on history or specific tests. These Dals include Chana Dal, Toovar Dal, Masoor Dal, Urad Dal, etc., besides the regular red lentils. Given chickpeas’ prevalence in plant-based diets and health foods, an accurate diagnosis and targeted management are essential for those with allergies.

Understanding Chickpea Allergies

A chickpea allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies chickpea proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic response. Reactions to chickpeas can vary from mild to severe and, in rare cases, can lead to anaphylaxis. Chickpeas are part of the legume family, so patients with chickpea allergies may also react to other legumes. For those with multiple legume allergies, multi-food desensitization can be beneficial, allowing NY Food Allergy & Wellness to address various legume allergies simultaneously.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Chickpea Allergies

Symptoms of chickpea allergies may include:

  • Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, hives

  • Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal congestion

  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea

  • Anaphylaxis: A severe reaction that requires urgent medical attention

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Food Allergy
Testing for
Chickpeas

Need Free Skin Test

Source: Lincoln Diagnostics

Needle Free Skin Test

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The FATE Program

Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement

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Understanding the FATE Program with Dr. Atul Shah

Dr. Atul Shah explains key components of the FATE program in a series of videos, including topics like "What is an Allergy?", "What is the Oral Food Challenge?", and "What is Oral Immunotherapy?". These videos provide essential insights into advanced food allergy treatments available in NYC, emphasizing the expertise of Dr. Shah and the comprehensive care offered at the Upper East Side clinic. This positions the clinic as a leading choice for anyone seeking a food allergist in NYC.

15,000 Success Stories

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BASOPHIL
ACTIVATION TEST

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The Basophil Activation Test (BAT) is a blood test that measures the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to specific allergens. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing food allergies.

Process: In BAT, basophils are isolated from a blood sample and exposed to potential allergens. If the patient is allergic to a specific substance, the basophils will activate, which is detected using flow cytometry.

Advantages: This test is highly sensitive and can help in cases where traditional skin or blood tests are inconclusive. It also poses minimal risk to the patient, as it is performed in vitro (outside the body).

NYAIRL & NYFA Connection: NYAIRL, associated with NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFA), is a leading research facility and the first and only laboratory in New York State with a CLIA-certified facility to offer BAT. This state-approved service places NYFA at the forefront of allergy research and treatment, ensuring highly accurate and risk-minimized diagnostic services for food allergies.

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FOOD ALLERGY SUCCESS STORIES

Browse through 100+ Videos & Media including Success Stories, FAQ’s, and News Interviews.

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Dr. Atul Shah

Dr. Atul Shah: Changing Lives through Food Allergy Desensitization

Dr. Atul Shah is the esteemed founder of NY Food Allergy & Wellness near The Upper East Side of Manhattan, known for his exceptional work in treating food allergies. His expertise is recognized with prestigious accolades, such as the Patients’ Choice Award, Top M.D. Accolades, and America’s Top Physician. As an innovator, Dr. Shah has expanded access to food allergy care globally through the Global Food Initiative, using advanced technology.

Expanding the Horizons
of Food Allergy Care

From his medical beginnings in India to his establishment of New York Food Allergy & Wellness on Long Island, Dr. Shah’s career has been a journey of impact and innovation. In 2023, he expanded his practice to Park Sixty, NYC, setting a benchmark for food allergy care with the introduction of groundbreaking treatments and patient-centered services.

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About Dr. Atul Shah: Testimonials

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Dr. Atul Shah Interview with Donna Drake

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Food Allergy Success Story: Cameron

Managing Chickpea Allergies in Daily Life

Avoiding chickpeas requires careful attention to ingredient lists and awareness of hidden sources.

  • Reading Food Labels: Chickpeas may appear as ingredients in items such as “garbanzo bean flour” and “hummus.”

  • Identifying Hidden Sources: Common in vegetarian and vegan foods, chickpeas can be found in snacks, dips, and baked goods.

  • Dining Out: It’s crucial to communicate with restaurant staff to avoid chickpea-based ingredients, especially in ethnic cuisines.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Carrying epinephrine and understanding its use is essential in the event of accidental exposure.

Common Foods Containing Chickpeas:

  • Hummus and chickpea dips

  • Falafel and chickpea salads

  • Some gluten-free or vegan products

Managing Multiple Food Allergies

Achieving food allergy freedom, especially with multiple food allergies, is challenging but possible with the right care. At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we specialize in comprehensive management and treatment to help patients achieve food allergy desensitization.

Diagnostic Approach

We begin with:

  • Detailed Patient History: Reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms.

  • Advanced Testing: Utilizing skin prick tests, blood tests, and the Basophil Activation Test to identify specific allergens and assess reaction severity.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Our customized plans aim for food allergy desensitization and may include:

  • Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Gradually introducing allergens to desensitize the immune system.

  • Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Administering allergens under the tongue to build tolerance.

  • Medications: Antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is used for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Omalizumab (Xolair) injections can be considered to reduce the risk or reactions.

  • Dietary Management: Guidance on safe food choices and avoidance strategies.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Training on using epinephrine auto-injectors and creating action plans for accidental exposures.

Continuous Support

  • Regular Follow-ups: Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans.

  • Patient Education: Providing resources and training for effective management.

  • Support Groups: Facilitating patient support groups for shared experiences and strategies.

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Teenager excited to eat peanuts after OIT

Why Choose

NYFA?

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Personalized Treatment Plans:
NYFA offers individualized care with personalized OIT, SLIT, BAT, and OFC treatments, ensuring each patient's unique needs are met for effective food allergy desensitization.

15,000 Success Stories:
With over 15,000 success stories, NYFA demonstrates a track record of helping patients achieve "Food Allergy Freedom," showcasing a high level of expertise and reliability.

Innovative FATE™ Program:
Our exclusive Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement (FATE) program guides patients to new beginnings, blending cutting-edge treatments with a holistic approach to food allergy management.

Experienced Leadership:
Under the leadership of Dr. Atul Shah, an award winning pioneer in food allergy treatment, NYFA offers expertise and dedication to advancing allergy care.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:
Equipped with the latest technology and modern facilities, NYFA creates a safe, luxurious, and comfortable environment for top of the line food allergy treatments.

Community and Advocacy:
NYFA is deeply involved in the food allergy community, advocating for awareness and providing resources to empower patients in their journey towards desensitization.

Upper East Side Location:
Award Winning Food Allergist in NYC

NYC Location

110 East 60th St.
Suite 708
New York, NY, 10022

Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday/Monday: Closed

Locations We Serve

We proudly serve the following locations in NYC:
Manhattan, Upper East Side, Queens
Staten Island, Brooklyn, The Bronx
Midtown, SOHO, NOHO, Upper West Side
Central Park South, Sutton Place, Westchester, Upstate NY, Connecticut, New Jersey

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Ready to take control of your food allergies? Let our premier allergists guide you. Book your appointment today and start your journey to freedom together!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of chickpea allergy?

Symptoms of chickpea allergy include skin rashes, itching, hives; respiratory issues like shortness of breath, wheezing, and nasal congestion; gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea; and anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires urgent medical attention.

What foods to avoid if you are allergic to chickpeas?

Avoid foods containing chickpeas, such as hummus, falafel, and chickpea flour, which is often used in gluten-free and vegan products. Carefully read food labels for hidden sources of chickpeas. (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education). At NYFA, we recommend checking for allergies to other legumes and avoid them, if necessary.

How common is chickpea allergy?

Chickpea allergy is more common in regions where chickpeas are a dietary staple, such as in the Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern diets. However, with the rise in plant-based foods, chickpea allergies are being reported more frequently in the United States. (Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)

What foods are high in chickpeas?

Foods high in chickpeas include hummus, falafel, chickpea salads, and baked goods made with chickpea flour. Chickpeas are also used in many vegetarian and vegan protein sources. (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education)

What foods is chickpea hidden in?

Chickpeas can be hidden in gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan products, where chickpea flour or ground chickpeas are often used as protein substitutes. Reading labels is essential to avoid accidental exposure. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

What is the Best Treatment for Chickpea Allergies?

The best treatment for chickpea allergies involves avoiding chickpeas, emergency preparedness, and desensitization therapies like Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). SLIT and OIT introduce small amounts of chickpea protein to reduce reaction severity over time. At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ Program provides a tailored treatment approach to manage chickpea allergies effectively and safely.

How Successful is Chickpea Allergy Treatment?

Chickpea allergy treatments, particularly through desensitization like OIT and SLIT, have shown positive results in increasing tolerance to chickpeas and reducing severe reactions. NY Food Allergy & Wellness’s FATE™ Program has demonstrated effective outcomes, allowing patients to manage their allergies more freely.

Why Choose NY Food Allergy & Wellness for Chickpea Allergy Treatment?

Choose NY Food Allergy & Wellness for chickpea allergy treatment because of our:

  • Specialized Expertise: Dr. Atul Shah is a recognized authority in the treatment of food allergies, including chickpeas.

  • Advanced Therapies: Utilizing the latest treatment options like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) to manage chickpea allergies.

  • Comprehensive Care Approach: Individualized care plans and ongoing support for effective allergy management.

  • Cutting-Edge Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to deliver accurate and comprehensive testing.