04 Sep Understanding the Symptoms and Diagnosis of Food Allergies
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as harmful. When this happens, the body releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger allergic symptoms. Understanding the signs of a food allergy and how it is diagnosed is a key part of managing the condition. Here is more information about food allergies:
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a food allergy can appear within minutes after eating the trigger food. The reaction may be mild or severe. A person experiencing a food allergy may have symptoms affecting their skin, digestive system, or respiratory system. Typical signs include:
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing, nasal congestion, or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
In some cases, a food allergy may cause a severe, life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. This response affects the whole body and requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis symptoms might include a rapid pulse, a drop in blood pressure, and constricted airways that make breathing difficult.
What Foods Trigger Allergies?
While any food may provoke an allergic reaction, a small number of foods are responsible for the majority of food allergies. These foods are present in many different products, so reading labels becomes a regular practice for people with known allergies. Typical food allergens are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish (like shrimp, crab, and lobster)
Reactions to these foods vary from person to person. One individual may have a mild response to a particular food, while another might experience a severe one from the same food.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a food allergy involves a few steps to pinpoint the specific trigger. A healthcare provider will likely start by asking detailed questions about your symptoms and family medical history. It is helpful to keep a food diary, tracking what you eat and any reactions that follow. This information gives your provider a clearer picture of what might be causing your symptoms.
If a food allergy is suspected, your doctor might recommend specific tests. A skin prick test is a standard method in which a small amount of the food extract is placed on the skin. The skin is then pricked to allow the allergen to enter. If a raised bump, similar to a mosquito bite, develops, it indicates a possible allergy. A blood test is another option. This test measures the amount of allergy-type antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
What Is the Next Step?
After a diagnosis, the primary way to manage a food allergy is to avoid the trigger food. This means carefully reading ingredient labels on all food products. You will also learn to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and know what to do if one occurs. For those at risk of anaphylaxis, a doctor might prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and show you how to use it. Carrying epinephrine with you provides a way to respond quickly to a severe reaction.
Get Checked for Food Allergies
Understanding your body’s response to food is the first step toward managing your health. If you suspect you have a food allergy, getting a proper diagnosis provides clarity and a path forward. An accurate diagnosis helps you make informed decisions about your diet and well-being. Contact an office today to schedule an appointment for allergy testing.
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