Chickpea Allergy
Treatment & Desensitization
Chickpea Allergy Desensitization 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 variants 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
Food Allergy Testing for Chickpeas
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.
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.
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 positives due to underlying tree pollen allergy. Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 are considered components with potential for systemic reactions.
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
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) Program specializes in managing multiple food allergies through comprehensive diagnostics and desensitization, helping patients achieve greater dietary freedom.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 (FARE)
At NYFA, we recommend checking for allergies to other legumes and avoiding them if necessary.
Chickpea allergy is more common in regions where chickpeas are a dietary staple, such as in 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
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 (FARE)
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
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.
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.
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.
Severe Multi-Food Allergy Success Story
What our patients are saying...
Dr. Shah and the team at NY Food Allergy & Wellness are truly exceptional. I had long believed I was allergic to shrimp, crab, and lobster until I completed oral food challenges here and discovered I was not. Dr. Shah's kindness, expertise, and collaborative approach are unmatched.
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Dr. Shah provided exceptional care in overseeing our daughter's oral immunotherapy for her peanut allergy. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, she is now fully desensitized and no longer has any food restrictions. The entire staff is kind, incredibly helpful, and supportive.
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Dr. Shah has a profound understanding of food allergies and explains test results and treatment options clearly. He follows science and common sense, and his team is attentive and compassionate.
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Dr. Shah is incredibly thorough and kind. He has helped cure my daughter of her sesame allergy as well as other tree nuts. The care throughout the oral immunotherapy journey was exceptional.
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After 33 years of being deathly allergic to peanuts, I am finally free of the burden. I can eat with confidence without constant worry. Dr. Shah and his team go above and beyond to make the process as simple as possible.
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Our 8-year-old daughter graduated milk OIT and now confidently eats dairy as part of her normal diet. Worries about social events are gone. Dr. Shah is calm, kind, and thorough, and NP Janet was incredibly patient.
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Dr. Shah has completely changed my son's life. Within a year of starting OIT, he became fully desensitized to multiple nuts; years later, his allergy is fully reversed. Dr. Shah is intelligent, kind, and truly dedicated.
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Dr. Shah and his team provide an exceptional level of care that is unmatched. Their attention to detail and personalized care have allowed me to live free from food allergy limitations.
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Two family members with severe food allergies are now fully eating the foods that once sent them to the ER. The team treated us like family and was always available. Truly life-changing.
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I am immensely grateful to Dr. Shah and his wonderful staff for their life-changing work. They helped my daughter overcome her peanut and tree nut allergies and gave us a priceless gift. Thoughtful, compassionate, expert care at every visit.
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Dr. Shah and his team at both locations (Manhattan and Long Island) are truly amazing. His knowledge and expertise in treating food allergies is life-changing for so many adult and pediatric patients. Oral immunotherapy truly works, and the team will guide and help you throughout the entire journey. I have been successfully eating the foods that I once avoided thanks to Dr. Shah and his amazing team.
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Pioneering Food Allergy
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Dr. Atul Shah, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, is the founder of NY Food Allergy & Wellness & a renowned allergist with over 20 years of experience. With more than 15,000 success stories across children, teens, & adults, Dr. Shah’s expertise knows no age limits. He holds dual fellowships & has been honored with prestigious awards, including America’s Top Physician. Dr. Shah is a leader in allergy care, offering personalized, life-changing treatments.
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