Food allergy or intolerance testing
Overview
Food allergy or intolerance testing involves medical procedures to identify specific foods that trigger adverse reactions in the body. These tests help determine whether symptoms like digestive issues, skin reactions, or respiratory problems are caused by immune system responses to certain foods or difficulty digesting particular substances.
Common Causes
Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. Food intolerances, on the other hand, happen when your digestive system has difficulty breaking down specific foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies like lactose intolerance. Both conditions can develop at any age and may be influenced by genetics, changes in gut health, or repeated exposure to certain foods. Stress, illness, and medications can also affect how your body processes different foods, potentially making you more sensitive to foods you previously tolerated well.
Severity Levels
Mild presentations may involve occasional digestive discomfort, minor skin irritation, or mild fatigue after eating certain foods that doesn't significantly impact daily activities.
Moderate presentations typically include more noticeable symptoms like persistent stomach upset, skin rashes, or respiratory issues that interfere with work, school, or social activities and may require dietary modifications.
Severe presentations involve intense or dangerous reactions such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, persistent vomiting, or anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical attention and strict food avoidance.
Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience recurring symptoms after eating certain foods, especially if they interfere with your daily activities or quality of life. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid pulse, or widespread hives. Schedule an appointment for testing if you suspect multiple food triggers or if elimination diets haven't provided clear answers about which foods are causing your symptoms.
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