What is Food Allergy Testing?
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 253, Word Count: 588,
Many people are allergic to different food substances. People have often shown allergic reactions to various food substances, which they maybe sensitive to. Even small food substances, in a body which is intolerant can lead to allergic reactions. Food allergy testing will help determine the food allergens.
Food allergy-
An allergy is defined as an uncharacteristic response by the body to a substance. Food allergy takes place when the immune system identifies a particular food substance which poses as a threat to the body and the system. The threat to a particular food item releases chemicals like histamines. Histamines cause various symptoms which are linked to food allergy.
Food allergies can be categorised into two types, the ones which cause an immediate reaction and those which lead to a delayed onset reaction.
Immediate food allergies:
- Immediate food allergies take place as soon as the food item enters the body.
- Type one toxic reaction or immediate food allergies; take place when the immune system releases an IgE antibody, which is a protein. IgE is released when the body revolts a particular food item.
- Some of the symptoms of immediate food allergies are: flushing, hives, coughing, difficulty in breathing and wheezing, cramps, vomiting or nausea, swelling occurs in the mouth and throat, decrease in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and diarrhoea. In severe cases of immediate food allergies even death is known to occur.
Delayed onset food allergies:
1. Delayed onset food allergies take place after several hours after consuming the food item. The symptoms of food allergy are shown much later and are also difficult to pin point. The antibodies which are triggered during Delayed onset food allergies are IgG, IgA and IgM.
2. Some of the health concerns caused due to Delayed onset food allergies are: sinusitis, migraine, skin rashes, canker sores, yeast infections, diarrhoea, constipation, heart burn, chronic indigestion, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, depression, fatigue and recurring ear infections.
Food allergy testing-
Food allergy testing would help determine, the symptoms which are caused due to a particular food substance. During food allergy testing a finger prick blood test takes place, which aids in the identifying of the antibodies which are released due to any sort of food allergy. If a bulge occurs that would show that the food item is unsuitable. The food item is thereafter identified which causes a problem or a reaction in the body.
Antihistamines are often prescribed by doctors, during food allergy. Antihistamines aid in the alleviation and ease out the uneasiness caused due to allergy.
Some of the food items which come under food allergy testing are: soy, tree nuts, peanuts, cow’s milk, fish, shellfish, wheat and eggs.
Once the food item which causes a problem in the immune system has been identified, one can easily treat the problem area. In some cases the food item may be completely stopped or the diet plan may have to undergo changes. One can lead a much healthier life with Food allergy testing.
About the Author
Allergist Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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