How do i know if i have food allergy?

Suspect / test: There are a variety of blood tests your physician can obtain on blood that can provide evidence for or against a food allergy. Allergists also employ skin tests which provide a different but helpful set of information.

Food Allergy: Food Allergy is diagnoses based upon your symptoms. Blood test and / or skin test are used to confirm the diagnosis of food allergy. Blood test / skin test are not how food allergy is diagnosed.

Symptoms with eating: Food allergy symptoms occur within minutes to a few hours after ingesting or contact with food leading to hives, itching, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or less likely anaphylaxis. Avoiding the food resolves it. An allergist can review your symptoms and diet and assess for a food allergy vs. Intolerance. Both allergy blood and skin tests are not perfect, but can help guide the allergist.

Immediate Symptoms: Food allergies are typically an immediate reaction minutes to a half hour (max 2 hours) after ingestion of concerning food with symptoms ranging anywhere from hives, wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, or syncope (fainting). If there is any concern see an Allergist for further workup and evaluation with skin prick or serum testing.