3 Ways to Test for Food Allergies

In this brief article brought to you by Southern Maryland Medical Group, we explore some common symptoms of food allergies. We also introduce you to some ways that primary care doctors will test for food allergies. If you suspect a food allergy, it is crucial to consult a dependable primary care physician for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Symptoms Represent Your Body’s Reaction to Allergens

Food allergies are immune system reactions. When someone with a food allergy comes in contact with the allergenic food, their immune system mistakes the protein as harmful and releases chemicals to protect the body. These chemicals are meant to do good, but they can trigger mild to severe symptoms.

Symptoms of a food allergy can include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death if not treated immediately.

Address Symptoms of Allergies As Soon As Possible!

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to foods, then note what you recently ate or came into contact with. Sometimes even touching the food or smelling it can trigger reactions. Even if symptoms are not severe, it’s important to see a physician or healthcare professional as soon as possible.

A primary care physician can perform sophisticated diagnostics and testing to pinpoint the exact allergen. This knowledge can help you prevent severe reactions, improve your quality of life, and reduce anxiety and stress.

Testing for allergies is nothing to take lightly. Testing for allergies should always be done under the guidance of healthcare professionals. So, what are some approaches?

Skin Prick Test

This is a common and relatively quick test to identify potential food allergies. A small amount of a specific allergen is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or back. The skin is then gently pricked or scratched to allow the allergen to enter the skin. The healthcare professional will use positive and negative controls to ensure accurate results.

If a person is allergic to that specific food, a small bump, like a mosquito bite, will appear at the test site within 15-20 minutes. The negative control, meanwhile, will not cause such a reaction. The physician will interpret and communicate the results with the patient.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are another method used to diagnose food allergies. These tests work by detecting the presence of specific antibodies, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), in the blood.

Note that blood tests are not as sensitive as skin prick tests in detecting certain types of allergies, and false positives or false negatives can occur. Therefore, blood tests should be interpreted in the context of the individual's medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information.

An Oral Food Challenge

In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, or when there is a need to confirm or rule out a food allergy, the physician may have you consume gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen. It’s important to do this under medical supervision! Do NOT try this yourself.