Food allergy testing can help determine which foods may give you an allergic reaction or worsen symptoms. Food allergies can appear as rashes, stomach pains, itching or swelling of the throat, and even trouble breathing in more severe cases.
Your food allergy testing will be customized to your specific needs. There are several testing methods available to help your provider determine the cause of your allergies. Some of the most common tests used include:
In this method, a skin prick can be used to determine your reaction to specific foods. A small amount of the specific food will be placed on your skin; then, the provider will use a small needle to prick the skin. This allows a tiny amount of the food to go beneath the skin’s surface and see if there is a reaction. If you are allergic to the item, a small, raised bump will appear on the skin.
For this test, a blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory where it can be tested. The blood will be tested for allergy-related antibodies and can be tested for a variety of foods.
After meeting with your provider, they will ask you to eliminate specific foods from your diet and then slowly add them back in one at a time. This will allow the provider to pinpoint what foods are causing a reaction.
Having a food allergy test can help prevent future allergic reactions. Food allergies are typically found to affect three main areas of the body: the skin, the digestive system, and in more serious cases, the respiratory system.
Reactions in the skin can include hives, itching, redness, or tingling. In the digestive system, there may be itching or swelling of the tongue or abdominal pain. In the respiratory system, you may experience coughing or wheezing, congestion, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath in more severe cases.
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The earliest sign of a food allergy is experiencing symptoms after eating a specific food, or feeling unwell after eating. Testing is the only way to conclusively determine if you are allergic to a specific food.
The test used will depend on your specific symptoms and needs. It will be determined by your provider at your appointment.
