Lentil Allergy
Treatment & Desensitization
Lentil Allergy Desensitization in NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side
Lentils are a staple in many diets, particularly in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Dr. Atul Shah and his team at NY Food Allergy & Wellness specialize in diagnosing and treating lentil allergies, providing tailored care to patients with allergies to this common legume. Our experience at NYFA is that many South Asian origin patients with regular lentil 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.
Understanding Lentil Allergies
A lentil allergy is triggered by an immune response to proteins in lentils. Similar to other legumes, lentils can cause reactions that range from mild to severe. Given lentils’ prominence in many health-conscious diets, it’s crucial for those with allergies to have a clear diagnosis and a plan for safe management. Lentils belong to the legume family, so those with lentil allergies may also react to other legumes.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lentil Allergies
Symptoms of lentil 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, life-threatening reaction
Food Allergy Testing for Lentils
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 Lentil Allergies in Daily Life
Managing a lentil allergy involves avoiding lentils in various forms, from whole lentils to lentil flour.
Reading Food Labels: Lentils can appear as ingredients in many vegetarian foods.
Identifying Hidden Sources: Found in soups, veggie patties, and protein powders.
Dining Out: Alert restaurant staff about the allergy and ask about lentil-based ingredients.
Emergency Preparedness: Carrying epinephrine is crucial for those with severe lentil allergies.
Common Foods Containing Lentils:
Lentil soup
Vegetarian patties
Some pasta alternatives
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 lentil allergy include skin reactions like rashes, itching, and hives; respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and wheezing; gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea; and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Avoid foods containing lentils, including lentil soup, vegetarian patties, and pasta alternatives. Lentils may also be used as thickening agents or protein substitutes in certain foods. (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education)
At NYFA, we recommend checking for allergies to other legumes like chickpeas and for South Asian Lentils (Dals), if history is suggestive of the need.
Lentil allergy is relatively common in some Mediterranean and Asian regions, where lentils are dietary staples. However, it is less common in the United States, although cases are rising with increased lentil consumption in plant-based diets. (Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
Foods high in lentils include lentil soup, salads, pasta alternatives, and vegetarian or vegan protein substitutes. Lentil flour is also used in gluten-free baking. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
Lentils can be hidden in vegetarian foods, certain processed soups, and baked goods that use lentil flour. It is essential to read ingredient labels closely. (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education)
The best treatment for lentil allergies includes avoidance, emergency preparedness, and desensitization therapies like SLIT and OIT. NY Food Allergy & Wellness offers tailored options through the FATE™ Program to gradually desensitize patients to lentils, helping manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Desensitization therapies such as OIT and SLIT have shown success in building tolerance to lentils, significantly reducing the risk of severe reactions. Through our FATE™ Program, NY Food Allergy & Wellness has helped many patients safely increase their tolerance to lentils and enjoy greater dietary freedom.
Specialized Expertise: Dr. Atul Shah is a recognized authority in the treatment of food allergies, including lentils.
Advanced Therapies: Utilizing the latest treatment options like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) to manage lentil 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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
About Dr. Atul Shah: Testimonials
Pioneering Food Allergy
Treatments in Manhattan.
Dr. Atul Shah:
Dr. Atul Shah: The Donna Drake Show
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.
LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU GET STARTED
GET IN TOUCH
Fill out the form below to begin your journey towards Food Allergy Freedom. Our care team will respond shortly!
New York City 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
-
![Banner titled "Food Allergy FAQ's" with the subtitle "Get answers to your questions here!" and five images showing diverse people handling food allergies: two young adults smiling and holding jars of nut butters, a young girl looking upset with a glass of milk and snacks, three people at a Halloween party with balloons and pumpkin decorations giving thumbs up, a woman holding a jar of candy and a bowl of chocolates, and a young girl smiling and holding signs about her peanut allergy.]()
Food Allergy FAQ'S
Do you have questions about insurance? The initial consultation? What food allergies we treat? Click below for clarity
-
![Dr. Atul Shah with a Patient]()
Food Allergy Success Videos
Our Media Library has over 80+ Video Success Stories, Interviews & Treatment Breakdowns with Dr. Atul Shah and more!
-
![Sublingual Immunotherapy Kit from NYFA]()
Food Allergy Treatments
We have the most comprehensive Food Allergy Treatments available. Including BAT testing that is ONLY available at NYFA.
-
![Young Girl completing Oral Immunotherapy]()
Personalized Care
The Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement Program is personalized to your needs in an upscale, private practice.
-
![Food Allergy Resources]()
Detailed Breakdowns
We have several pages dedicated to Food Allergy Awareness & Education on services like: BAT, OFC, SLIT, OIT and more!
-
![Ny Food Allergy & Wellness Team]()
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.
-
![Ny Food Allergy & Wellness Office in NYC]()
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.
-
![Dr. Atul Shah Webinar Promo]()
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.
