What Are The Tests Done To Properly Diagnose Food Allergy
What are the tests done to properly diagnose food allergy?
There are five primary types of tests for the allergy, namely, Prick skin Testing, Intradermal Skin Testing, Blood Testing, Patch Skin Testing, and Food Challenge.
To elaborate:
- Prick Skin Testing – in prick skin testing, the one who test you will get samples of the allergens that you may be allergic to. These allergens are literally pricked in your skin (most of the time at the back). When your skin is allergic to the allergen, your skin reacts and shows redness and a little swelling.
- Intradermal Skin Testing – this is usually done to test if one is allergic to a medicine that is ought to be given especially the syrup or liquid medicines. In intradermal skin testing, the supposed allergen is injected under the skin. Same with the prick skin testing, when there is redness and swelling that can be observed, then the tester will now determine whether your allergic to it or not.
- Blood Testing – this is another way to know whether you have an allergy to a certain food or substance or not. The tester would get from your circulatory system a sample of blood and will be examined in the laboratory. Some studies claim that blood testing is not as effective and sensitive as the prick skin testing in knowing an allergy.
- Patch Skin Testing – this is another way of determining allergies in a person. Unlike the prick skin testing, this method uses patches. When an allergen is applied into the skin, the skin is plastered with a bandage. The bandage will remain into the skin for some days and then removed after. If the skin reacts with the allergen, then it is a determinant that one is allergic to that certain allergen.
- Food Challenge – This is basically done to determine food allergy. A patient is given suspected foods that may be allergic to him. This method is done only to places with medical assistance near like the hospital or a clinic.
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Can food allergy be deadly or fatal?
Yes. Food allergy can be fatal in extreme cases. This can cause a reaction called anaphylaxis. The symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Skin itchiness, swelling, redness, and burning sensation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Chest tightness
If a person shows these symptoms, it is best to go to the hospital immediately as it can lead to death
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