Food Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnostic Blood Tests

The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise in contemporary society, affecting millions of individuals across the globe. According to estimates, 8% of children under the age of five and 4% of adults are afflicted by food allergies. While some individuals may experience minor symptoms, others may suffer severe reactions that necessitate hospitalization.

It is crucial to emphasize that food allergies can prove fatal if not accurately diagnosed, treated, and managed. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, it is imperative to seek medical assistance and undergo diagnostic food allergy blood tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

What is Food Allergy?

Food allergy is caused by an atypical immune system response to particular foods. When the immune system incorrectly identifies certain foods as harmful, it produces antibodies to combat them, causing an allergic reaction. The production of histamine by mast cells in response to these antibodies is responsible for the symptoms of the allergy.

Symptoms of food allergy.

A broad spectrum of symptoms can result from food allergies. Typically, experiencing a food allergic reaction will cause you to feel uneasy, but there is also a possibility that the symptoms could escalate to severe levels.

• Skin reactions, such as itchiness, hives or swelling
• Digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps or vomiting
• Nasal congestion, such as a runny nose or sneezing
• Respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing 
• Tingling sensation in the mouth

At sometimes, individuals may experience serious indications known as anaphylaxis, which is a critical medical condition that demands prompt medical attention. Without proper treatment, anaphylaxis has the potential to result in a state of unconsciousness or even fatality.

The signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include the following:  

• Constriction of the airways, resulting in difficulty breathing

• Itchy, red rash on the skin

• Swelling of the face, tongue and throat

• Drop in blood pressure

• Anxiety, confusion and a racing pulse

What causes food allergy?

Food allergies are a result of consuming certain foods that trigger a mistaken identification by the body of these foods or substances in the food as potential allergens. Upon first consumption of allergens, the immune system generates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which circulate in the bloodstream and are responsible for combating the allergen. Upon subsequent consumption of food containing the allergen, the IgE antibodies that have already been produced stimulate mast cells to release histamine and other immune modulators, leading to symptoms of the allergy.

Because food allergies can be lethal, it is critical to identify the allergy-causing agent specific to your body. Usually, the given nine foods are responsible for causing food allergies in most individuals:

• Eggs 
• Fish 
• Sesame 
• Cow’s milk 
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree nuts
• Wheat

Many of you may be allergic to some other substance not listed above. Thus, diagnosing the root cause of your food allergy is very important.

How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?

It is essential to seek medical advice if you suspect that you or your loved ones are suffering from a food allergy. Consulting a physician can aid in diagnosing the allergy and managing its symptoms. Your medical history can assist the physician in identifying the allergen, and blood tests may be performed to verify the cause of your allergic reactions to food. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a physician to identify the substance(s) that cause food allergies and receive proper medical attention.

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Diagnosis Based on Medical History.

During a medical history diagnosis session, the physician will ask some questions regarding your past allergic reactions and food consumed. These questions may include the following:

 

1. What were the symptoms you experienced during the allergic reaction?
2. What particular food do you suspect caused this reaction? 
3. Have you eaten the food before? And did you experience the same reaction when you had the food?
4. What was the amount of food you ate?
5. Was there anything else that you had with the food?
6. Do you have any idea about the ingredients that were present in your food?
7. Do you know how the food was prepared?
8. Did your food contain any of the following allergens?

• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree nuts
• Wheat
• Eggs
• Fish
• Sesame
• Cow’s milk

Diagnosis Based on Blood Tests.

Once your medical history has been diagnosed, the doctor will have a general idea about the cause of your allergic reaction. However, to confirm the specific food substance(s) causing allergies, the physician will prescribe food allergy blood tests.

 

One of the most common tests used to determine food allergies is the Immunoglobulin E Test (IgE Test). This test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood, which your body produces in response to allergens. If the test shows high levels of IgE antibodies to a specific food allergen, the person is allergic to that food.

 

Sophisticated equipment such as the ImmunoCAP™ machine can now detect the IgE antibody in your bloodstream, generated in response to certain food substances. This equipment can carry out various IgE tests from a small serum or blood sample, resulting in less pain for you.

Based on the results of these food allergy blood tests, your physician can accurately identify the root cause of your food allergic reactions.

Food allergies can be deadly, so it is critical to consult a physician and receive a diagnosis of the condition and root cause of the allergy. Proper knowledge of your allergy-causing food substance (allergen) can prevent allergies and other adverse effects.