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Blood tests can be done to look for elevated white blood cell counts, level of particular antibodies, or for reactions with allergen extracts. Blood tests are not 100% reliable and, to get good results, must be done by highly trained lab technicians. Some doctors use these tests, while others prefer not to. The patient will need to have blood drawn for this, which may be a drawback for testing children.
"Scratch" test involves scratching the skin, then dropping liquid allergen on the scratch. It's done on the arm or (for very small children) the back. It seems to hurt a little, but may be scary to little ones. Each slate has up to 6 tests, plus positive (histamine) and negative controls. Bumps/weals for a reaction appear immediately or several minutes later. The patient must remain in the office in case of severe reaction (rare).
A positive reaction is reliable, but a negative reaction may not be; that is, you may be allergic but not react. Skin tests are more reliable for airborne Allergies than for foods.
Elimination diets are the only guaranteed way to determine food allergies. The patient goes on a *very* restricted diet, composed only of foods that rarely cause allergy problems. A new food is added each week. If the patient does not have any allergic symptoms to the new food during that week, then it is not considered an allergen. A new food can be added the next week. If the patient has a reaction to the food, the food is considered an allergen and removed from the diet. The patient then goes back to the previous diet until all symptoms are gone for three days; then a new food can be added. This is a very slow way to build up much of a varied diet, but it is certain. In adding foods, you must be careful that it is only one food that is being added. This means no processed foods (may have additives), no pre-packaged foods (may have additives), no seasonings (except salt), etc. This can be very difficult to follow if you eat out for any meals. Generally safe, non-allergenic foods usually include apricots, peaches, Pears, beets, sweet potato, rice, distilled or spring water, cane sugar, salt, tapioca, olive oil, lamb and chicken. (Not very exciting..) Your doctor may give a different list, based on your personal situation. It is fairly easy to put a young baby on an elimination diet, but it gets harder as the child gets older. For very young children, this should only be done under a doctor's supervision (unless the child is exclusively breastfed) to ensure a balanced diet.
If the original allergic reaction was moderate or worse, you must challenge test when adding a suspected new food. That is, you start with a pea-sized piece. If no reaction, on day 2 try a 3-pea-sized piece. No reaction, day 3 try a 9-pea-sized piece. Discuss this with your doctor. ALWAYS get instructions beforehand (and medicine, if necessary) on what to do for a severe reaction. If the original reaction was severe, your doctor will want to do this at his office or at the hospital.
What else can I help you with?
How can I tell if I have an internal allergy?
Allergy signs include coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. If you have these signs chances are you have an internal allergy.
How can you tell if you have a skin allergy to avocado?
You can tell if your skin breaks out into a rash
How to tell if my cat has a cat food allergy?
When a cat has allergies it has an extremely sensitive immune system to everday substances, you can tell if your cat has an allergy if it acts a little funny after it eats.
How can you tell if your toddlers food allergy is serious?
Consult your child's physician.
Why do I get sick after eating?
You may have an allergy. If not go see a doctor and they can tell you more.
How do you tell the difference between an allergy cough and a bronchitis or pneumonia cough?
Bronchitis often has a colored flam while allergies are clear.
What is singular possessive of allergy?
The singular possessive of "allergy" is "allergy's." This form is used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with an allergy, such as "allergy's symptoms" or "allergy's causes."
How can you tell what allergies your dog has?
The quickest way would be for your vet to perform a allergy blood test which is very accurate.
Why am I getting hives and swollen face and lips?
As an EMT, I can tell you that it soulds like you have some sort of an allergy to something. The signs you described sounds like a food allergy. Be careful and try to chart what you eat or are exposed to when you have these signs
Can an allergy to certain foods cause stomach lesions?
well i can tell you that you will need special medication if you eat a food your alergic to.
Can you get allergy testing done at an allergy treatment center?
Yes, most allergy treatment centers will do allergy testing for a variety of common allergens. In addition, doctors at the allergy center can also prescribe appropriate allergy medications for your daughter.
Does an allergy to bee stings mean an allergy to honey?
No, allergy to bee stings does not mean that there is also an allergy to honey. The two allergens are not related.
