Diagnosing Food Allergies
To accurately diagnose a food allergy, healthcare providers often use:
– Skin Prick Tests: A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin, and the area is pricked to see if there is a reaction.
– Blood Tests: These tests measure the immune system’s response to specific allergens by checking for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
– Oral Food Challenge: Conducted under medical supervision, the patient consumes small amounts of the suspected allergen to observe for any reaction.