FOOD ALLERGY TEST

Where is a food allergy test done and how long does it take?

A food allergy test is only conducted by a doctor in his or her office. It usually takes between 5 and 7 minutes and is generally painless.

How is the food allergy test conducted?

To conduct this test, gelatin capsules are used which contain an extract of a particular food product that you are being tested for. Sometimes capsules contain a neutral substance that is also used for testing purposes. The result can be ready in as little as 5 minutes or as long as 7 days, depending on the complexity of the case.

Risks and complications involved

There is always a risk of very serious reactions that can be life threatening. These tests are not recommended without the supervision of a doctor. Other reactions such as nausea, diarrhea, runny nose and eyes are common as well in these tests. For the most part, however, the test is generally safe when performed correctly.

Other food allergy tests

* Food provocation test
* Food challenge test
* Indigestion test

The purpose of the above tests is to confirm an allergy connected to a particular food or food additive. These tests are used as a last resort should the above mentioned test not be enough.

Preparing for the food allergy test

* Avoid eating any food products that are the cause of the allergy.
* Do not consume antihistamines or any allergy drugs prior to the test.

This test is conducted by giving one an injection or asked to swallow a test capsule which contains the food ingredients that are being tested. One will then be under observation for symptoms which may appear within minutes or may take days.
To ensure the right results sometimes the test is conducted with neutral capsules thus, inducing the placebo effect; in this case neither the doctor nor the patient knows.

A food allergy test is most effective and reliable when performed with intake of the foods products as it follows the same course as usual. After the test you will wait for 20-30 minutes and test will be made for several reactions; in the case that symptoms appear, they will persist for several days. Depending on the results of the food allergy test you will be put on the needed medication and/or avoid the consumption of the food product. With the doctor's help, you should be able to get your food allergies under control.

Symptoms of Sun Allergy

Many people suffer from some sort of sun allergy. Symptoms can be relatively minor, usually presenting as a minor rash that can be itchy-some people call it "prickly heat." However, others suffer different symptoms, which can affect the way they live their lives. Some people develop hives that can blister and spread, even to areas that weren't directly exposed to the sun.

It is unclear what causes sun allergy and why some people react differently than others. Young children and babies are particularly vulnerable; welts can occur that seem to cover an entire area forming a ring around the arms or legs. What starts out looking like an irritated mosquito or insect bite can quickly swell to alarming proportions.

In addition, there is a syndrome known as "sun drunk" which affects some children who suffer from a sun allergy. In some cases, a child may come in from playing outside and stumble, lose balance, or otherwise display suggestions that something is just not right; hence, causing the term "drunk." Many come in with glazed eyes and sometimes fall asleep quickly. Once out of the sun, given time to "recover," (sometimes as soon as 30 minutes), there may not be any other lasting effects.

There are various types of conditions under the title of sun allergy.

These include polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE), and photo allergic eruption. Solar urticaria is a rarer sun allergy that generally affects women; it produces large, itchy, red bumps or hives. While it is a rarer form of sun allergy, it is far more common than may be thought.

PMLE is a sun allergy that produces an itchy rash and is quite common, and hereditary PMLE occurs in people with an American Indian background. Photo allergic eruption is a sun allergy that sometimes takes a while to diagnose and occurs when sunlight has a reaction with a chemical on or in the body, such as sunscreen, lipstick, medication, etc. It is important to know whether any medication you are taking can have an adverse reaction to the sun. If in question, ask your pharmacist.

To prevent or lessen possible sun allergy symptoms, it is imperative to use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater. For children or others with solar urticaria, it is more advisable to use SPF 45+. In addition, sunscreen must be applied liberally and often. Whether or not someone has a known sun allergy, sunscreen should be applied all over including the lips.