Food allergy is a common type of illness, due to allergic reaction caused by certain type of food ingredients in some individuals. The causative agent will not be the same in all and the intensity of symptoms may also vary.
Food Allergy Diagnosis
As part of diagnosis, it is necessary for a doctor to identify the specific food material that caused adverse conditions. A detailed history of patient is needed regarding the present diet and eliminated diet before assessment. The doctor may spend some time with patient to check the following details
- The timings of reaction and its duration. The doctor will also check wether the reaction is quick (within an hour) or after sometime.
- Whether the patient is taking any anti-allergic medicines like anti-histamine tablets and the success of treatment.
- Whether the allergy is in accordance with any particular food or a class of foods.
- If the allergic reaction associated with a particular food, the doctor will enquire whether any other who took the food is also showing the symptoms. This is to check whether the food is contaminated with histamine or other allergens.
- In some cases, the quantity of food will be related to allergic reaction. So the quantity of food taken at a time will also be noted.
- Preparation of food will also confer things to allergy. If the food (especially sea foods) are not cooked well it can cause allergic response.
In case of some patients, checking the history alone will give a clear idea of food material. The consistency of reaction, ingredients of diet and how far the patient has been following the diet can give an idea of reason. If the doctor is not able to find the food item from history, they will go for elimination diet, which helps to trap the item with time.
Skin testing is also done by allowing a small quantity of food material to react with scratched portion of skin. Redness and swelling indicates allergic reaction. Blood tests like RAST and ELISA is also done as part of diagnosis.
Food Allergy Treatment
Dietary avoidance is a method of treatment. Once the food item that cause allergy is identified, the patient will be suggested to avoid it afterward. Patients with severe allergic reaction to very small quantity of food should wear medical alert bracelet and should carry a syringe with adrenaline as prescribed by doctor. Anti histamine tablets and bronchodilators are also given to control symptoms. |
