How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Food Allergies

Food allergies are diagnosed through a combination of medical & family history, physical examination, and conducting specific diagnostic tests. The diagnostic process may include the following steps:

1. Medical & family history

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including the type of reaction you experienced, the timing of symptoms in relation to eating specific food items, and any family history of food allergies.

2. Physical examination

This may be conducted to assess any visible signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, or swelling.

3. Elimination diet

In few cases, the healthcare provider may recommend an elimination diet to help identify the specific food or foods triggering the allergic reaction. This involved temporary elimination of suspected allergens from your diet & then slowly re-introducing them while monitoring for symptoms.

4. Maintaining a food diary

Keeping a detailed food diary can help you and the doctor track your diet and any associated symptoms by providing valuable information about your food habits.

5. Skin Prick Test

This test can help determine your reaction to a particular food. A skin prick test involves applying a small amount of allergen to the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and then pricking the skin with a needle to allow the allergen to enter the bloodstream. If you are allergic to the specific food item, you may develop a raised, red bump (wheal) at the site of the prick within 15-20 minutes.

6. Blood Tests

Tests such as the specific IgE blood test measures the level of specific antibodies (IgE) produced by the immune system in response to specific allergens. Elevated levels of this antibody can indicate a food allergy to certain foods.

7. Oral Food challenge

This may be conducted under medical supervision to confirm or rule out a suspected food allergy. Here, you will be given small, increasing doses of suspected allergen to consume, while being closely monitored for any allergic reactions.