Food Allergy Testing Specialist

What should I know about food allergies?

Food allergies develop when your immune system labels a protein in your food as a danger to your health and creates an antibody to that protein. Every time the protein enters your body, your immune system releases chemicals that activate an allergic reaction.

You can have an allergy to any type of protein-containing food, but most food allergies are caused by:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy

Of the allergies in this list, most first develop in childhood, and then they’re outgrown by adulthood. The food allergies most likely to affect adults include:

• Peanuts and tree nuts: May first develop in childhood, but they usually cause a lifelong allergy
• Shellfish: About 60% of people have their first allergic reaction to shellfish as adults.
• Fish: About 40% of people have their first allergic reaction to fish as adults.

Though most children outgrow a milk allergy, those who have high levels of antibodies are more likely to have the allergy throughout their lives.

What symptoms develop because of a food allergy?

The symptoms caused by a food allergy include:

• Stomach pain
• Itchy mouth or ears
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Skin rash or itchy skin

Food allergies can also cause a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection and emergency medical attention.

What should I know about food allergy testing?

The team at Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center perform a blood test that checks for IgE and IgG antibodies. Standard food allergy tests look for IgE, which is the type of food allergy that causes an immediate reaction after eating.

When your immune system produces IgG antibodies to a food protein, your symptoms are delayed, appearing up to three days after you eat. As a result, you may not realize you have a food allergy because you don’t associate the delayed symptoms with eating.

IgG antibodies also cause inflammation and lead to a variety of disorders, such as:

• Crohn’s disease
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Hives
• Psoriasis
• Sinusitis
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Colitis
• Ear infections
• Mood disorders
• Behavioral problems

IgE and IgG antibodies specifically identify the protein causing your allergy. When you get the results of your allergy test, you’ll know exactly which foods you need to avoid to prevent allergic reactions and restore your health.

If you need help with a food allergy, call Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center, or book an appointment online.