The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the number of individuals that suffer from food-related allergies increased by more than 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, and the effects of a food allergy will cause many people to feel miserable. Doctors are now able to conduct a variety of tests that identify those items that cause a person to experience a reaction. Most physicians use one of three testing methods, and each has proven effective at identifying those ingredients that people should not consume.
Blood Test
When a person ingests foods that cause a reaction, it leads to high concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE) to become present in the blood. A person should not refrain from eating items that are possible allergens, as this may lead to a false negative result. A doctor will perform a blood draw and have the sample sent to a lab, where a technician will test for the presence of IgE and determine what allergens are present and are triggering the reaction.
Skin Prick Procedure
Another common form of food Allergy Testing in Starkville MS is the use of a skin prick procedure. A physician will place a small liquid that contains a condensed form of the suspected food allergy on the back or forearm and gently scrape the surface of the skin with a needle or scalpel so that the liquid may penetrate. If the tested spot displays a rash or swelling, it is an indicator that an allergy exists.
Tissue Biopsy
If Food Allergy Testing in Starkville MS reveals inconclusive results, it doesn’t mean that an allergy isn’t present, just that the form of testing was not able to detect it. For some allergy issues, such as individuals who have Celiac disease, a biopsy of the tissue in the small intestines may hold the key to finding answers. The tissue is sent to a laboratory, and a variety of allergens are injected into it, and if swelling or irritation presents itself, it is likely the result of an allergic reaction.
Living with a food allergy is miserable, but abstaining from triggers will bring about relief. The medical professionals at Children’s Health Center of Columbus offer pediatric allergy testing and will help a parent find answers to their child’s chronic health problems. Domain URL to learn more about the testing process.
