Peanut Allergy
Treatment & Testing
Peanut Allergy Treatment in NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side
At NY Food Allergy, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of peanut allergies. Our team, led by Dr. Atul Shah, provides personalized care to help you manage and desensitize to your peanut allergy safely and effectively. Estimates indicate that in the United States, between 150 to 200 people die each year due to food allergies, and approximately 50% to 62% of these fatal cases are attributed to peanut allergies. This means that around 75 to 124 deaths annually are due to peanut allergies alone (HowStuffWorks; Health Research Funding). At NYFA, we believe that most of these deaths and reactions are preventable.
Understanding Peanut Allergies
Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies, affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies peanuts as harmful, triggering a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and include hives, swelling, gastro-intestinal symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and anaphylaxis (Mayo Clinic).
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Peanut Allergies
Symptoms of a peanut allergy can appear within minutes of exposure and may include:
Skin reactions such as hives, redness, or swelling
Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting
Tightening of the throat, shortness of breath, or wheezing
Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
Food Allergy
Testing for Peanuts
Source: Lincoln Diagnostics
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Skin prick tests are a quick and effective way to identify specific allergens. During the test, a small amount of allergen is placed on the skin, which is then gently pricked to allow the allergen to enter. Results are typically visible within 15-20 minutes, making it a fast and reliable option. Needle-free tests are ideal for children and needle-phobic patients. Using advanced technology, these tests provide precise results without the discomfort associated with traditional testing methods.
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Blood tests are highly accurate and comprehensive, suitable for all age groups. They measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which can indicate an allergy. This method is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo skin testing.
IgE specific to peanut components are very helpful in accurate diagnosis of true peanut allergy compared to false positive due to underlying tree pollen allergy. Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 are considered components with potentials for systemic reactions.
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At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we are proud to offer the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), a cutting-edge diagnostic tool for identifying food allergies. This advanced test measures the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to allergens. The BAT provides highly accurate results and can detect allergic reactions that might not be identified through traditional testing methods.
We are the only certified lab in the region offering the Basophil Activation Test. Our certification ensures that we maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our testing procedures. By choosing NY Food Allergy & Wellness for your allergy testing needs, you can be confident that you are receiving the most advanced and reliable diagnostics available.
The Basophil Activation Test is particularly useful for patients who have complex allergy profiles or who have not found answers through conventional tests. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing allergy treatments, providing valuable insights for personalized care plans.
Key benefits of the Basophil Activation Test include:
High Accuracy: Detects allergic reactions that may not be visible through skin prick or blood tests.
Comprehensive Analysis: Measures the specific activation of basophils, providing detailed information about allergic responses.
Certified Lab: Conducted in our certified lab, ensuring the highest standards of testing quality and reliability.
If you suspect you have a food allergy and need precise and reliable testing, the Basophil Activation Test at NY Food Allergy & Wellness is an excellent choice. Contact us today to learn more about this innovative test and to schedule your appointment. -
Oral Food Challenges are considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. During an OFC, the patient consumes small amounts of the suspected allergen under strict medical supervision to observe any reactions. This method provides definitive results and is conducted with the utmost care and safety.
Source: Lincoln Diagnostics
The FATE™ Program
Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement
PHASE 4
Sublingual or Oral
Immunotherapy
PHASE 3
Oral Food
Challenges
PHASE 5
Bite Proof to
FREE Eating
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
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.
ORAL FOOD CHALLENGE
OFC is a medically supervised test to diagnose food allergies. It's considered the gold standard for allergy testing.
Process: During an OFC, the patient consumes gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergenic food in a controlled setting. Medical staff monitor for any reaction.
Purpose: It's used to either confirm a food allergy diagnosis or to check if a patient has outgrown an allergy.
Safety: Given the risk of an allergic reaction, OFCs are always conducted in a clinical setting with emergency response capabilities.
SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
SLIT is a form of immunotherapy where the patient is given small doses of an allergen under the tongue to boost tolerance to the substance and reduce symptoms.
Process: The treatment involves administering gradually increasing amounts of the allergen in liquid or tablet form under the tongue. The patient holds it there for a few minutes before swallowing.
Purpose: SLIT is primarily used for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, and it's being explored for food allergies. It's a convenient alternative to allergy shots, as it can be self-administered at home.
Duration: Treatment typically spans over a few years, with the initial phase of dose escalation followed by a maintenance phase.
ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
OIT is a medical treatment for food allergies where the patient consumes small amounts of the allergenic food, with the amount gradually increased over time.
Process: The process begins with extremely low doses, followed by periodic and gradual increases, usually under strict medical supervision. This is continued until a maintenance dose is reached.
Objective: The goal of OIT is to desensitize the patient to the allergen, reducing the severity of reactions or helping them achieve tolerance.
Foods Treated: Commonly used for allergies to foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, and tree nuts.
FOOD ALLERGY SUCCESS STORIES
Browse through 100+ Videos & Media including Success Stories, FAQ’s, and News Interviews.
Wheat Allergy
Peanut Allergy
Milk Allergy
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.
About Dr. Atul Shah: Testimonials
Dr. Atul Shah Interview with Donna Drake
Food Allergy Success Story: Cameron
Managing Peanut Allergies in Daily Life
Managing a peanut allergy involves more than just avoiding peanuts. It's about being prepared and informed. At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we offer guidance on:
Reading Food Labels: Learn how to identify hidden peanut ingredients in packaged foods.
Restaurant Safety: Tips for dining out safely and communicating your allergy to restaurant staff.
Emergency Preparedness: Understanding when and how to use epinephrine auto-injectors and having an action plan in place (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology).
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.
Why Choose
NYFA?
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 "Freedom Beyond Avoidance," 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 unparalleled 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
SCHEDULE TODAY
SCHEDULE TODAY
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Treatment for Peanut Allergies?
The best treatment for peanut allergies currently involves a combination of avoidance, emergency preparedness, and desensitization therapies such as Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). OIT gradually introduces small amounts of peanut protein to desensitize the immune system, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions (Mayo Clinic). At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we provide a comprehensive treatment approach under our FATE™ Program, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to ensure the highest level of care and safety.
Currently, peanut avoidance is a general recommendation, but several treatments can help manage the condition:
Avoidance: The primary treatment involves avoiding peanuts and peanut-containing products.
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. Read more.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): These treatment options gradually introduce small amounts of peanut to desensitize the immune system over time (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology). Doing the OIT with FDA approved product is an effective option for peanuts. At NYFA, we offer SLIT and OIT products and options based on patient needs (single vs. multi-foods) and family’s preference for safety and the most efficient way to get to freedom.
How Successful is Peanut Allergy Treatment?
Peanut allergy treatments, particularly desensitization therapies like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), have shown significant success in increasing tolerance to peanuts and reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Clinical studies have reported that a substantial number of patients can tolerate increased amounts of peanut protein after undergoing these treatments, leading to a marked decrease in the risk of severe reactions (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology). At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ Program has demonstrated positive outcomes, helping patients manage their peanut allergies effectively and improve their quality of life.
Is There a Way to Stop Being Allergic to Peanuts?
While there is no definitive cure for peanut allergies, treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) have shown promise in increasing tolerance to peanuts and reducing the severity of allergic reactions (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases). These treatments, available through our FATE™ Program at NY Food Allergy & Wellness, offer hope for patients seeking to manage and potentially overcome their peanut allergies.
Do Peanut Allergies Get Worse with Age?
Peanut allergies can persist throughout life and may become more severe with repeated exposure. However, with proper management and treatment, the risk of severe reactions can be minimized. Studies have shown that desensitization therapies, such as those provided in our FATE™ Program, can help manage peanut allergies effectively, even in adults (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology).
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Food Allergy FAQ'S
Do you have questions about insurance? The initial consultation? What food allergies we treat? Click below for clarity
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Food Allergy Success Videos
Our Media Library has over 80+ Video Success Stories, Interviews & Treatment Breakdowns with Dr. Atul Shah and more!
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Food Allergy Treatments
We have the most comprehensive Food Allergy Treatments available. Including BAT testing that is ONLY available at NYFA.
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Personalized Care
The Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement Program is personalized to your needs in an upscale, private practice.
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Detailed Breakdowns
We have several pages dedicated to Food Allergy Awareness & Education on services like: BAT, OFC, SLIT, OIT and more!
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Food Allergy Team
We have the Top Food Allergist in NYC, Dr. Atul Shah and a team of Experts focused on providing the ultimate patient experience.
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State of the Art Facility
Our brand new office in NYC is centrally located on the Upper East Side. Close to Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx & Staten Island.
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Food Allergy Webinars
Join us for our Monthly Food Allergy Friday’s Webinar with Dr. Shah. We answer your questions live! Please submit in advance.
