If you break out in hives after eating tomatoes or kiwis, you might wonder how to test for food sensitivities. These allergies can range from mild, annoying symptoms, such as stomach distress, to severe, with the risk of death if you don’t use an Epi-pen or seek immediate medical treatment.
You might not be sure which food items are causing you to react, which makes asking, “Where can I get a food sensitivity test near me?” essential for your overall health and well-being. Food sensitivity testing can help you take the next steps and avoid foods that cause issues.
Symptoms of Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities are mild forms of allergies, and the range of symptoms you might notice can be mild or extreme, depending on the severity of the allergy. You can experience a wide variety of symptoms or only one or two. Here’s a look at some of the most common signs:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache or migraines
- Upset stomach
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Facial swelling, including the lips, face, tongue, and throat
- Trouble breathing and wheezing
- Constricted airways
- Rapid pulse
- Drop in blood pressure
If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of food allergies, remember that you’re in control. Seeking professional help and understanding how to test for food sensitivities can empower you to manage your health better. These tests can provide the necessary answers to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms.
How Does Food Sensitivity Testing Work
Several types of tests provide feedback on food sensitivities. These include:
Skin Prick Test
A medical professional places a drop of a liquid food protein onto your skin. This is usually done on the arm or the back. The skin below the drop of liquid is pricked with a needle or other instrument, allowing it to enter your body. If you are allergic to that particular food, there will be a bump, redness, or other indication. Multiple food types are tested during the skin prick test to get the best answers.
Breath Test
A tool measures the amount of hydrogen gas you breathe out before and after taking a liquid drop of a food protein. This type of test is good for identifying food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance.
Blood Tests
A blood test measures the immunoglobulin G (IgG) or the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood to determine if you have food sensitivities or food allergies after eating certain foods.
How Do You Diagnose Food Sensitivities
You might suspect food sensitivities, but you need a professional opinion. An allergist will take a medical history and explore the symptoms you’ve experienced after eating certain foods. With that information, they will determine the best type of food allergy testing for your unique situation. You will go to a lab or return to the allergist on another date to complete the testing. The allergist will look at the results of the testing, advise you on any allergies or sensitivities you have, and discuss steps you can take to avoid further issues.
Do You Think You Have a Food Sensitivity or Food Allergy?
Now that you know more about testing for food sensitivities, it’s time to take the first step to identify your food allergies and minimize the reaction. CVS allergy tests aren’t going to give you the results you need. ARCpoint Labs of San Rafael offers compassion and professionalism as we help you discover your food allergies. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.
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