Advances in Mental Health

Food sensitivities can occur at any point in your life. While it is frustrating to discover that certain recipes no longer agree with you, it is reassuring to know that there are tests available to help you identify which ingredients are creating all of the trouble. In some cases, finding out what food allergies are triggering your symptoms can help to clear up issues such as digestive discomfort and skin rashes. Once you've decided to pursue testing, you need to use these three tips to prepare for your test and know what to do once it is complete.

Ask What to Avoid Before the Test

You may need to take a few precautions before you begin allergy testing. For some types of tests, such as the skin prick, you will likely need to abstain from using allergy medications for several weeks before the test date. Antihistamines in your system may cause a non-reaction when your skin or blood is exposed to a potential allergen. 

Find Out How the Test Is Performed

There are several different types of allergy tests that are available, and each one offers potential benefits. For instance, a skin prick test can sometimes give immediate results that let you know where to begin with your allergy treatment right away. However, skin testing is not always possible if you have severe rashes. Blood testing is another option that allows the allergic reaction to occur away from your body. With this type of test, you will have blood drawn and sent to a lab where it is then mixed with the different allergens. This type of test may take slightly longer to get the results, but it is safer if you have severe sensitivities.

Inquire About Which Foods Are Included 

You need to know which foods are included in the test so that you can eliminate potential ones that you think might be triggering your symptoms. For instance, you may have several different sensitivities, and leaving one out of a test could cause you to continue to suffer from your symptoms. The majority of food allergy tests look for common allergens such as eggs, tree nuts, milk, peanuts, and shellfish. You may also need to be tested for wheat or gluten sensitivities if you notice that you feel sick after eating foods that contain these products. Once you've completed the test, you'll have a full understanding of which types of food you were tested for sensitivities to and which came back positive so that you can start planning an allergy-friendly diet.

For more information, reach out to a company such as Dino Peds.