Food Allergy (IgE) Testing

Allergy is widespread and affects approximately a quarter of the population in the UK at some time in their lives.

The term allergy is used to describe a condition where the immune system over reacts to a substance which is not normally harmful in itself. The result can range from a collection of inconvenient symptoms to a disease or even a life threatening reaction.

An allergic person’s immune system believes allergens to be damaging, so it produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading material. This stimulates other invasion fighting blood cells to release further chemicals which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The most common symptoms of an allergy are

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy eyes, ears, lips, throat and palate
Severe wheezing
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Sinus problems
A sore palate
Mouth ulcers
Nettle-like rash.
Swelling
Sickness, vomiting, & diarrhoea
Increase in secretions

In addition conditions such as asthma, eczema, IBS and headaches as well as symptoms diffuse symptoms such as lethargy, loss of concentration and sensitivity to everyday foods are also considered to have an allergy component.

Causes

Allergic reactions are caused by substances in the environment known as allergens. This might be something someone has eaten, breathed in or come into skin contact with. Almost anything can be an allergen for someone.

Some of the more common Food Allergens are eggs, milk, gluten, shellfish and nuts.

Testing for allergies

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms or have a condition which may be exacerbated by a food allergy may bebefit from a food Allergy test.

What is being tested