Food allergies can range from mild to severe. Mild reactions may cause itching, hives, or digestive upset. However, some people experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include:

• Itching or tingling in the mouth, throat, or face
• Watery eyes
• Hives
• Runny nose
• Stomach upset
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Rapid heart rate
Dizziness or fainting

This test might be right for you if you’ve experienced unexplained symptoms after eating or have a family history of allergies.

Food allergies can be severe and even life-threatening. This test is not suitable for individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to the tested foods or those seeking to confirm an existing food allergy. Under no circumstances should this test be used for food trials without medical supervision.

Severe allergic reactions may include:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness
  Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid heart rate, dizziness, or fainting
• Requiring an epinephrine injection after consuming the allergen
  If you have a history of severe food allergies or uncertainty about your allergy status, consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms and develop a personalized care plan.

This test measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. IgE antibodies are involved in allergic reactions. When you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to certain foods, producing excess IgE. This triggers the release of histamine, causing allergy symptoms.

While IgE is normally present in small amounts, elevated levels can indicate an allergic response. The most common food allergens causing allergies include:

• Eggs
• Fish (such as tuna, halibut, or salmon)
• Milk and dairy
• Peanuts
• Shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster, or crab)
• Soy
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
• Wheat

Your test results will indicate the level of IgE antibodies present for the foods you were tested for. It’s important to understand that these results alone do not confirm a food allergy diagnosis. To accurately diagnose a food allergy, you should consult with a healthcare provider or allergy specialist. They will consider your test results in conjunction with your medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. Only then can a proper diagnosis be made and a personalized treatment plan developed.