How to Know If You Have a Food Allergy or Sensitivity

Are you constantly bloated after meals? Do you have trouble digesting certain foods? Do you get hives or a rash after eating certain foods? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have a food allergy or sensitivity. These conditions can be very uncomfortable and make everyday life difficult. While food allergies and sensitivities can cause similar symptoms, they are two very different conditions. Read on to learn more about the difference between food allergies and sensitivities, the signs of food allergies and sensitivities, how to know if you have either one, and how to get tested for them.

The Difference Between a Food Allergy And Sensitivity

When it comes to food allergies and food sensitivities, the differences between them can be subtle yet significant. A food allergy is a severe adverse food reaction that occurs shortly after eating food and often results in an autoimmune response such as hives or difficulty breathing. Food allergies differ from food sensitivities because the former involves an immediate reaction, while the latter can involve delayed reactions such as bloating and digestive issues that occur several hours after consumption.

To accurately diagnose what type of food intolerance a person may have, food allergy testing is usually conducted. In this test, various foods are introduced into the person’s system to determine if an allergic reaction will occur. During the test, a medical professional constantly monitors the situation and reactions to ensure safety at all times.

How to Know If You Have a Food Allergy

Identifying a food allergy can be difficult. Symptoms of a food allergy vary from person to person and may manifest as severe or subtle skin irritation. We don’t recommend performing DIY allergy or sensitivity testing on your home, as a severe adverse reaction can be life-threatening. If you experience any symptoms after consuming a particular food item, discontinue its use and seek help from our team at ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta Northeast.

Our highly trained professionals will conduct allergy tests to determine the cause of the symptoms and analyze if the reaction was due to an allergy. It’s important to remember that the presence of multiple symptoms does not always indicate the existence of an allergy. Other conditions, such as an intolerance or sensitivity toward specific foods, could produce similar effects. This is why it’s vital to have a trained and knowledgeable physician supporting and helping you find answers.

How to Know If You Have a Food Sensitivity

It can be difficult to know whether or not you have food sensitivity. Paying close attention to your body and how it reacts to specific allergy triggers is essential to diagnosis and treatment. Still, self-diagnosis can be unreliable. Scheduling an appointment with an allergy specialist or other medical professional is the best way to determine if you have a food sensitivity.

Our Gwinnett County food sensitivity specialists can assess your individual situation and design a personalized plan that helps you identify and address any sensitivities or intolerances to certain foods. Testing may be needed in some cases, such as an elimination diet that slowly reintroduces foods while monitoring reactions. With the help of our professionals, you can uncover any possible underlying food sensitivities to minimize discomfort and achieve optimal health.

The Symptoms of a Food Allergy or Sensitivity

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a food allergy or sensitivity as they can vary from person to person.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain – Gastrointestinal issues or abdominal pain is one of the common causes of food intolerance.
• Nausea and vomiting – These symptoms could be caused by food allergies or sensitivities, as your immune system might identify certain foods as dangerous and trigger this type of response.
• Diarrhea – Diarrhea from a food allergy may result from malabsorption, a condition caused by the small intestine not absorbing nutrients from the food you ingest.
• Rectal bleeding – Some foods may cause your body to go into overdrive, resulting in blood in your stool.
• Respiratory difficulty – A mild allergy may cause coughing and wheezing as your body reacts to a specific food.
• Hives or other skin rashes – Reddening of the skin or splotches can show up immediately or hours later as an allergic reaction.
• Swelling – Swelling around the mouth and throat may lead to difficulty swallowing and nasal congestion.

Severe reactions can involve anaphylaxis (or severe and life-threatening reaction) which may be accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after eating a certain food, it’s vital to consult with a physician in Gwinnett County immediately. Keeping track of what food provoked the reaction is also very beneficial when speaking with a food allergy doctor.

What To Do If You Think You Have a Food Allergy or Sensitivity

If you have any symptoms that might be related to a food allergy or sensitivity, it is important to seek medical advice from an allergist or other healthcare professional. You can discuss your symptoms and possible triggers to determine whether or not there’s an underlying food allergy or sensitivity.

Blood testing and/or skin-prick testing may be used to help identify the allergen in question. Once identified, we can provide information on ways to limit exposure and manage symptoms if needed. Allergy management techniques vary depending on the severity of the reaction and other individual factors. Therefore, seeking professional guidance is important in finding creative solutions to avoid allergic reactions in the future.

Allow ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta Northeast to Support You with Food Allergy Testing Resources

Evaluation and testing should be the next steps if you think you have a food allergy or sensitivity. At ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta Northeast, we can test for food allergies and sensitivities quickly and easily. We will work with you to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.