Food Allergy Test in Satara

Understanding food allergy tests : How can it be beneficial for you?

Food allergy is a common but dangerous health problem. A food allergy is a condition, in which the immune system of the body starts reacting to any particular food, or a group of foods. Sometimes, some individuals start experiencing discomfort or certain symptoms after having meals. In that case, making a wise decision of going for a food allergy test will solve the problem by helping to recognize the foods that are triggering immune responses in the body.

During the initial stages, the food allergy symptoms start with itching or mild rashes or abdominal pain. However, if necessary actions are not taken at the right time, then the symptoms may turn serious and lead to Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency that affects the entire body of a person.

It’s not possible to assume when the allergic reactions will take a serious turn, hence, an allergy test is the right solution to dodge the negative impacts of a food allergy.

When do you need a food allergy test?

You must go for a food allergy test once the following symptoms start occurring.

• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin reaction
• Tingling in mouth
• Itchy skin
• Itchy, stuffy or runny nose

In case of Anaphylaxis, the following symptoms may start occurring. It is recommended to seek medical attention immediately once these symptoms start getting visible.

• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat

How can a food allergy test be beneficial for you?

It’s impossible to assume which foods are causing allergic reactions in the body. The only way to avoid painful allergic reactions is to avoid the foods that are triggering the immune system after entering the body. Therefore, an allergy test is essential. An allergy test can help you accurately identify the foods that are causing allergic reactions in your body, so that you can avoid the consumption of those foods to minimize your chances of experiencing allergic reactions. There are a wide variety of allergy tests available these days, which can help you identify medications as well as inhalants that are causing allergic reactions in your body.

What is a food allergy test used for?

• A food allergy test is performed to identify foods that are causing allergic reactions in an individual’s body.
• A food allergy test can also help to distinguish between food allergies and common food intolerance.
• Food allergy tests can also be performed to check if the allergies have gone away.

What happens during a food allergy test?

After knowing about all the symptoms you are facing in detail, a normal physical exam may be run before the allergy test. After that, the healthcare providers will suggest one or more than one of the following tests. You can consult them to know which test can be best for you.

• Skin prick test: A drop of a specific kind of liquid will be placed on your skin that will contain protein from the food that your body is allergic to, preferably on the skin of your back, neck or arm. After that, the part of skin that lies right under the drop will be pricked as it will help the drop get below the skin surface. If any red itchy bump gets visible after that, then it will signify that your body reacts to that food.
• Allergy blood test: This test will require your blood sample. The IgE antibodies are prepared by our body for different kinds of foods, hence, this test measures IgE antibody levels in the body. If you are allergic to certain foods, then the amounts of IgE antibodies in your blood will be higher than usual for those foods.
• Oral food challenge test: This test procedure will require close inspection after an individual slowly consumes a little amount of foods that are suspected to be allergic to that individual’s body. Later, the amounts will be increased gradually. If no reactions occur, then it means that the food is not causing any allergic reactions at all.
• Food elimination diet: In this test process, an individual is asked to remove the foods from their diets that are suspected to be allergic for some weeks. After that they are supposed to slowly add those foods in the diet. If the allergic reactions start occurring after adding the foods, then it means that those foods are potentially causing allergic reactions in the body. This test can be performed at home.

There are usually no risks of food allergy tests, however, individuals may experience a bit of pain at that particular part of skin from where the blood sample has been drawn. However, these little discomforts usually don’t need medical attention as they usually go away with time.

To conclude, food allergy tests are extremely necessary for all of us. After unknowingly consuming the foods that the body is allergic to may lead to fatal consequences. Hence, getting the foods that the body is allergic to detected is a smart decision to make. You may consider having a consultation with an allergy specialist for better understanding.

Why should you take the food allergy test?

The food allergy test can help you identify specific food allergies, which will help you plan your diet accordingly to dodge the allergic reactions.

How is the food allergy panel performed?

Your blood sample will be collected to check for IgE antibodies related to food allergens and identify potential allergens.

What foods are covered in a food allergy panel?

Common foods like dairy, fish, eggs, meat, wheat, shellfish, peanuts are covered in a food allergy panel.

What preparations are needed for food allergy tests?

No specific preparations are needed for food allergy tests.

How soon will I receive the test reports in Satara?

Test reports can be generated within 5-7 business days, however, the report delivery time may depend on the processing time and your location.