For Patients

Some allergic reactions to food and drugs—particularly rashes, hives and asthma—can resemble certain diseases.

During your initial evaluation in the Food/Drug Allergy and Desensitization Program at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, our allergy specialists will take a detailed history and perform a physical examination looking for signs of a drug or food reaction. We’ll need the following information:

• What drug or food do you suspect caused your reaction?
• When did you start taking the suspected food or medication, and have you stopped taking it?
• How long after you took the food or drug did you notice symptoms, and what did you experience?
• How long did your symptoms last, and what did you do to relieve them?
• What other foods, medications—both prescription and over-the-counter—do you take?
• Do you also take herbal medications, vitamins or supplements? If so, which ones?
• Have you had reactions to other food or drugs? What kind and when did they occur?

What to Bring

If you can, bring the suspected food or drug with you, as well as pictures of any rash or other physical symptoms associated with your reaction.

If a food or drug allergy is suspected, our allergy specialists may recommend a skin or blood test or a graded challenge, in which you’ll be supervised by an allergy specialist and trained medical staff as you take the drug or food suspected of triggering a reaction in a closely monitored setting. If your previous reaction was severe, the challenge may be performed in an intensive care unit.

Once your evaluation is completed, we’ll coordinate with your physicians to develop the best treatment plan for you.

LEARN MORE

To make an appointment or to learn more, contact the Food/Drug Allergy and Desensitization Program at 845-353-9600.

Read how parents can work with staff to make school safe for children with food allergies. (Page 4)