Tests overview

The diagnosis of food allergy begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask lots of questions in order to obtain a list of suspected foods and a thorough description of the reactions. You will also be asked questions to determine whether you have other allergies and whether members of your immediate family have an allergic condition.

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Some of the questions the doctor may ask you are:

• Which foods cause you to have symptoms and what are the symptoms?
• How soon do the symptoms start after you are exposed to the food?
• How long have you experienced symptoms and when was the last time you had a reaction?
• Do the symptoms occur every time you eat the suspected food?
• How long do the symptoms last and what do you do to treat the reactions?
• Have you ever had to go to the doctor's office or an emergency room for treatment of a reaction?
• Do any other family members have an allergic condition?

After this initial evaluation, you may be asked to undergo some of the following tests:

• Prick skin testing
• Blood tests for IgE antibodies to foods
• Food challenges
• Keeping a diary of diet and symptoms