A food allergy happens when your body’s immune system reacts abnormally to certain foods. Even though allergic reactions are often mild, in a lot of cases, they can be severe. Most people are not aware of the type of food allergies they have. For a quick and effective food allergy test in Bebington, contact The Pharmacy today.

Symptoms associated with food allergies can be witnessed in different parts of the body. These symptoms may include:

– Itchiness inside the throat, mouth, or ears
– Urticarial or hives (a raised itchy red rash)
– Vomiting
– Swelling around the face, the lips, eyes, angioedema (roof of the mouth), and tongue

Nuts on a bowl

What causes food allergies?

Food allergies are witnessed as a result of the immune system mistakenly treating ingredients found in food as a possible threat.

This leads to the release of certain chemicals. Consequently, these chemicals are responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Although any food can result in an allergic reaction, there are some foods that are responsible for a good number of food allergy cases. These foods include:

– Eggs
– Milk
– Tree pollen
– Peanuts
– Shellfish
– Fish
– Certain fruit and vegetables

Eggs on a tray

Most children that experience a food allergy are likely to have suffered from eczema as infants. The chances of a food allergy in a child will likely be determined by how serious the child’s eczema was, as well as how soon it began.

It’s yet to be determined why allergies to food develop in certain people, although they are often associated with other allergic conditions, like hay fever, eczema, and asthma.

Types of food allergies

Food allergies happen in three types, depending on when they happen and their symptoms.

– IgE-mediated food allergy – This allergy happens when the immune system releases an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). It’s the most common type of allergy and symptoms may be witnessed a few seconds or minutes after consuming the food in question. This type of allergy comes with higher chances of anaphylaxis.

– Non-IgE-mediated food allergy – these kinds of allergic reactions are as a result of other cells in the immune system, but not immunoglobulin E. Symptoms take much longer, up to many hours, to appear, making it harder to diagnose.

– A combination of IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies – this happens when you experience symptoms from both allergies.

The diagnosis & food allergy test in Bebington

If you suspect that you have any allergies, talk to our pharmacist about any symptoms, when they occur, the frequency at which they happen, and if there is anything you think is triggering them.

Your pharmacist can provide advice and treatment options for cases with mild symptoms and clear causes. You may be required to undergo a reliable allergy test if your allergy is more serious or the cause is unclear.

We have included a guide to allergy testing below to make you aware of the different types you may need.

1. Skin prick testing

This is one of the most common allergy tests available.

Just as the name suggests, skin prick testing involves a drop of liquid, containing the suspected substance. It is put onto your forearm before the skin under the drop is pricked gently.
An itchy, red bump will develop on the pricked area within 15 minutes in the event that you are allergic to the substance.

Skin prick testing is very safe and not particularly painful, but some people might find it a little uncomfortable.

2. Blood tests (Food allergy test in Bebington)

Blood tests may also be applicable in the diagnosis of common allergies. They are usable alongside or in place of skin prick tests.

It involves the analysis of a sample of your blood for certain antibodies released by the immune system due to an allergen.

3. Patch tests

Patch tests are applied in the investigation of a type of eczema referred to as contact dermatitis, which can be a result of skin exposure to an allergen.

In a special metal disc, a pharmacist will put a small quantity of the allergen in question.  After taping it to your skin, it will be monitored for 48 hours for any reaction.

4. Elimination diet

If there are suspicions that a certain food is triggering your allergy, you will have to avoid it and see if there is any improvement in your symptoms.

You may then be required to try the food again after a few weeks to see if there is any reaction.

All tests such as these are performed with supervision from a qualified healthcare provider.

Challenge testing

In a few instances, you may need a food test challenge.

The test involves eating the food in question under close supervision to check for any reactions.

It may be one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing food allergies, but it’s riskier considering it could lead to a severe reaction. However, it’s often done in a clinic where treatment for any reaction is readily available.

Food allergy test in Bebington & its treatment

Identifying and avoiding the food that causes an allergic reaction is the best way to approach food allergies.

Avoid making any sudden changes before consulting with your pharmacist or dietician.

Antihistamines can be effective in managing mild or moderate symptoms of an allergic reaction. Adrenaline is effective in treating more severe allergic symptoms, like anaphylaxis.

If you have food allergies, you’ll get an auto-injector pen, which has adrenaline doses for emergency cases.

We offer blood testing to detect a variety of allergies. Contact us today to book your allergy testing appointment.

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This blog post was written on behalf of The Pharmacy Bebington by Pharmacy Mentor.