The first of its kind in Illinois, the Food Allergy Program seeks to improve the lives of children and families affected by food allergy. Our experts provide evaluation services and comprehensive treatment, including skin prick testing, food challenges, oral immunotherapy, and education on food avoidance and managing allergic reactions.
About Food Allergies
Food allergy is caused by an immune response that occurs after exposure to a specific food. When exposed, the immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) which ultimately cause an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include hives and itching on the skin or symptoms throughout the entire body (anaphylaxis) including difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and possibly, death. Learn more about The Science of Anaphylaxis.
Learn more about food allergies
Why Choose Lurie Children's
We take a family-centered approach to care and believe the best results occur when the parents, child and healthcare provider work together, each sharing their area of knowledge to help diagnose and manage the food allergy. Partnering with your family helps us to best understand the types of reactions your child has to certain foods; the relationship between timing and reactions; and your child's personal and family history. Knowing your child and your family allows us to better help you as you positively navigate a life with food allergy.
Our Pediatric Food Allergy Specialists
Our integrated team includes physicians, pediatric nurse practitioners and pediatric nursing staff to care for children with food allergies.
Abigail T. Lang, MD, MSCI
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Aisha Ahmed, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Sarah M. Boudreau-Romano, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Timothy J. Brown, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Linda F. Federer, APRN-NP, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner, Allergy & Immunology
Anna B. Fishbein, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Rajesh Kumar, MD
Interim Division Head, Allergy & Immunology
Cynthia J. Lerner, MD
Member, Children's Community Physicians Association
Elizabeth Lippner, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Melanie M. Makhija, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Sai R. Nimmagadda, MD
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Nashmia Qamar, DO, MSCI
Attending Physician, Allergy & Immunology
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's allergy and immunology needs.
Our Locations
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
2515 N. Clark Street/467 W. Deming PlaceChicago, Illinois 60614-3393
1.800.543.7362
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Northbrook
1131 Techny RoadNorthbrook, Illinois 60062
312.227.7600
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Arlington Heights
Busse Center for Specialty Medicine880 W. Central Rd, Ste 6400
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
312.227.5410
Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
25 N. Winfield RoadWinfield, Illinois 60190
630.933.2340
Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
300 Randall RoadGeneva, Illinois 60134
630.933.2340
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in New Lenox
1870 N. Silver Cross Blvd. (formerly Clinton Street)Suite 100
New Lenox, Illinois 60451
312.227.3620
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Westchester
Surgical Treatment Center2301 Enterprise Drive
Westchester, Illinois 60154
312.227.7900
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Grayslake
1475 E. Belvidere Rd. (Rte. 120)Suite 285, Pavilion C
Grayslake, Illinois 60030-2012
312.227.2220
Lurie Children's Hospital Outpatient Center in Huntley
10350 Haligus RoadNorthwestern Medicine, Huntley Hospital Medical Office, Suite 110
Huntley, Illinois 60142
312.227.8500
Lurie Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center & Physician Office – Pediatrics in Uptown
4867 N. BroadwayChicago, Illinois 60640
312.227.2610
Lurie Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center in Skokie
3722 W. Touhy AvenueSkokie, Illinois 60076
312.227.5600
Research
Lurie Children’s Division of Allergy and Immunology is at the cutting edge of food allergy clinical research. We offer our patients with food allergy the newest treatments as well as opportunities to be part of studies in hopes to discover more treatments and a cure.
Learn More
The video below, "What I Wish You Knew About My Food Allergies," offers a candid look at the lives of children living with food allergies.
Additional information about food allergies can be found at:
Food Allergy Program News & Stories
Offering Peace of Mind: Peanut Immunotherapy Clinical Trials at Lurie Children’s
Families of children with food allergies are constantly on high alert. So far, there is no cure but research has focused on reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions from accidental exposure.
Kids' Wellness Matters Podcast Ep. 9: Navigating Food Allergies in Kids
Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, discusses the prevalence of food allergies in children across the U. S., the latest treatments and research, and things we can all do to keep children with food allergies safe.
Skin Patch Shows Promise for Toddlers with Peanut Allergy
Gluten Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease Symptoms in Kids
Our expert physicians help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about celiac disease and gluten intolerances or sensitivities.
Approximately A Third of Pediatricians Fully Follow Guidelines on Peanut Allergy Prevention in Infants
Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Understand the science of food allergies and anaphylaxis, and how an allergic reaction can quickly become anaphylaxis.