There are many things someone could be allergic to, and one of the most common ones is related to food. However, if you feel you might be allergic to certain foods, then you should get tested at a local ENT clinic. So, how do doctors test for food allergies? Find out below!
Signs of Food Allergies
Before you head over to an allergist in Houston, TX, make sure you are aware of the signs that you may potentially have food allergies. These signs may include:
- Itching or swelling in your mouth
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Eczema
- Drop in blood pressure
- Issues breathing
- Tightening of the throat
Blood Test
A common way a doctor will check to see if you may be suffering from food allergies is by doing a blood test. This allergy test will require a doctor to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Results from a blood test typically come after at least one week.
Skin Prick Test
Another common way for doctors to check for any food allergies is to do a skin prick test. A doctor will do a skin prick test by dropping a liquid food extract on the skin. After 15 to 20 minutes, a small red bump may appear. If this is the case, then it shows that you are allergic to that food.
Special Diet
The third way a doctor can check to see if you may be allergic to any food is by putting you on a special diet. To find out what the source of the food allergy may be, you might be asked to keep track of your meals and any potential symptoms you experience for a few weeks. If you start to notice severe symptoms, then you should avoid that food in the future.
After getting the answer to how do doctors test for allergies, you can now go into your test with ease and realize that it’s a safe process.
