How Does a Food Allergy Test Work
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after consuming a certain kind of food. Even the smallest amount of allergy causing foods can trigger symptoms which can affect different arears of the body. Some commons symptoms include:
- Itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat, or ears.
- Itchy red rash such as urticaria or hives.
- Swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
- Vomiting
Food allergy effect 6 to 8 percent of children under 3 and up to 3% of adults. Some children have been known to outgrow their food allergies.
Food allergies can sometimes be confused for food intolerance which is a less serious condition that can cause bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. A food intolerance is not an immune system reaction it is related to having trouble digesting certain foods. You can often eat small amounts of offending foods without any trouble. In addition, you could also prevent reactions by drinking soy or almond milk if you are lactose intolerant.
How does it work?
Whether you have a food allergy or food intolerance both can prove to very stressful and uncomfortable so, If you think you or your child has a food allergy or an intolerance there are testing services at touchwood pharmacy in Ramsgate, Camberley and Northolt that provide multiple style testing kits to suit everyone’s needs.
A food allergy test can find out what foods are causing you discomfort by taking a small blood sample and sending it off to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will check the blood for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies by testing it with certain foods. For example, if enough IgE antibodies are in the blood after testing it with peanuts, it is very likely that the person is allergy to it. Once the pharmacy gets you results back from the lab we will be in touch to discuss the findings with you
Having an allergy test at touchwood pharmacy will save you time and help you make the necessary changes you need to stay safe and live comfortably without any reactions.
