According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies occur in about 4 percent of adults and 4 to 6 percent of children. While any food can cause an allergic reaction, 90 percent are caused by the following: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts. At Better Life Carolinas, we are proud to offer food allergy testing for anyone who is interested.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to life-threatening. They can involve the GI tract, the skin, the respiratory system and/or the cardiovascular system. Allergic reactions to a food typically start within two hours of eating it; sometimes, they occur almost immediately. In rare cases, the symptoms don’t manifest until four to six hours after eating. Such delayed reactions are most common in people with a rare allergy to red meat caused by a tick bite and in children whose allergic reactions include eczema.
Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is the most severe allergic reaction. It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, a tight throat and cardiac arrest. It can also cause an array of symptoms involving the GI tract, like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction can include trouble swallowing, hives, pale or blue skin, wheezing, coughing, dizziness, vomiting and stomach cramps.
How is Food Allergy Testing Conducted?
Food allergy testing may begin by taking a medical history that will cover such topics as past reactions and their symptoms. The specialist will want to know what the patient ate and how much; what the symptoms were and how long they lasted; and how long it took for a reaction to occur. The specialist will also order tests. If the patient has developed a weal that looks like a bump caused by a mosquito bite, the patient has had a positive result and is allergic to that food. Blood tests may also be used.
Why Should Someone Undergo Food Allergy Testing?
If somebody suspects they or their child has a food allergy, they should undergo food allergy testing as soon as possible at Better Life Carolinas. Allergic reactions are unpredictable. A person who has had mild reactions in the past could suddenly have a severe reaction in the future. This is why it is so important for you to know your triggers. We have offices in Charlotte and Mount Pleasant. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for food allergy testing.