Phoenix Food Allergy Testing

What Is A Food Allergy?

Food should nourish your body and give you energy. However, when your immune system mistakenly identifies food proteins as threats, the food you eat can make you sick instead. Your immune system attacks those proteins and releases histamines and other chemicals that can produce a variety of symptoms, some of which can be simply uncomfortable and some of which can be life-threatening. A food allergy is not the same as a food intolerance, which may make you uncomfortable but do not trigger the immune system and will not result in anaphylaxis.

What Causes A Food Allergy?

Food allergies are caused by the immune system mistakenly identifying certain proteins found in food as harmful. Genetics are often to blame for the immune system behaving this way. If you have a family history of food allergies, you have a higher risk of suffering from food allergies yourself. Children are also at higher risk for food allergies since their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Those who are allergic to pollen can sometimes experience reaction to fruits and vegetables that contain pollen. In some cases, you can also experience an allergic reaction after eating shortly after intense exercise.

What Are Common Symptoms of A Food Allergy?

Symptoms of a food allergy vary by person and the amount of food protein consumed. Some people may have mild symptoms a long time after eating the food, and others may have an intense reaction immediately upon consumption. Common symptoms include itching or tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips or tongue, swelling of the face, hives, itching, wheezing, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fainting. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis may occur, which results in constriction of the airways, a severe drop in blood pressure, and an increased pulse. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is required.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Food Allergies

To diagnose food allergies, we first talk with our patients about the symptoms they are experiencing and when these symptoms occur. We’ll ask about your medical history to see if any other conditions may be causing your symptoms, and we’ll ask if you have a family history of any food allergies. Our preferred method of food allergy testing is the “scratch” test, which involves a small scratch on the skin followed by exposure to a drop of the food protein. This test is highly accurate, efficient, and non-invasive. We can test for dozens of potential allergens, so the evaluation and medical history is used to narrow down the possible suspects.

Once we know your specific food allergy triggers, our providers will collaborate to develop an individuated treatment plan for you. It is important that you discontinue certain medications before testing to ensure an accurate result. Our team will give you comprehensive information about preparing for the test and then following up for treatment.

You do not have to continue suffering from allergy symptoms, and you do not have to wait until your child has a severe allergic reaction to find out that a food allergy is present. You can get the relief you need and keep your family safe by visiting the expert providers at San Tan Allergy and Asthma. Call our office today to learn more or to make an appointment for food allergy testing.