Does allergy testing treat food allergy?

Food allergy can cause symptoms such as hives, swelling, vomiting, cough or wheeze after exposure. Skin-prick and blood tests look for sensitisation to selected foods, but a positive result does not by itself prove that eating the food causes symptoms. Your clinician considers the reaction history, the food amount, timing and examination. Some people need a carefully supervised food challenge to clarify the diagnosis; this must not be attempted at home.

Testing does not stop an immune reaction once it begins. Management may involve avoiding a confirmed trigger, reading labels, planning for accidental exposure and carrying prescribed emergency medicine when advised.

Keep a food and symptom diary that records ingredients, timing and the symptoms that followed. Avoid only foods your clinician advises you to avoid, because broad restriction can make meals harder to plan and may reduce nutrition. Tell restaurants and caregivers about confirmed allergies. Learn how to use prescribed emergency medicine and check your written action plan with a clinician.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or symptoms involving more than one body system after eating. Use prescribed emergency treatment according to your action plan and do not wait for a test appointment. Repeated vomiting, widespread hives or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt medical advice.

Does my reaction fit food allergy, intolerance or another cause? Which foods should be tested? Should I avoid the food while evaluation is pending? Do I need an emergency action plan or referral to a specialist? How can I keep meals nutritionally balanced if avoidance is necessary?