Fruit allergy test

An allergy specialist asks what fruit caused the reaction, how quickly symptoms appeared, the amount eaten and whether exercise, medicines or illness were present. A skin-prick test places a small amount of allergen near the skin surface; a blood test can look for fruit-specific IgE. A positive test shows sensitisation, but it does not by itself prove that eating the fruit causes symptoms. Some people have pollen-related oral allergy symptoms, such as an itchy mouth with raw fruit, rather than a severe food reaction.

Write down the fruit, preparation method, timing and symptoms, and bring photographs of any rash if available. Do not deliberately eat a suspected trigger to test yourself. Your clinician may advise temporary avoidance and a supervised food challenge when the diagnosis remains uncertain. Learn more about Food Allergy and tell the team about asthma or previous swelling.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, wheezing, dizziness, collapse or symptoms affecting several body systems after eating fruit. These can be features of Anaphylaxis. Do not wait for an appointment or repeat the food at home.

Ask which test fits your reaction history, whether medicines could affect testing, which foods need avoidance, and what emergency action plan your household should follow.