Why do I need food allergy testing?You or your child may need food allergy testing if you have certain risk factors and/or symptoms.Risk factors for food allergies include having:A family history of food allergiesOther food allergiesOther types of allergies, such as hay fever or eczemaAsthmaSymptoms of food allergies usually affect one or more of the following parts of the body:Skin. Skin symptoms include hives, tingling, itching, and redness. In babies with food allergies, the first symptom is often a rash.Digestive system. Symptoms include abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, and swelling and/or itching of the tongue.Respiratory system (includes your lungs, nose, and throat). Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, and tightness in the chest.Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body. Symptoms may include those listed above, as well as:Rapid swelling of the tongue, lips, and/or throatTightening of the airways and trouble breathingFast pulseDizzinessPale skinFeeling faintSymptoms can happen just seconds after someone is exposed to the allergic substance. Without quick medical treatment, anaphylactic shock can be fatal. If anaphylactic shock is suspected, you should call 911 immediately.If you or your child is at risk for anaphylactic shock, your allergist may prescribe a small device you can use in an emergency. The device, which is called an auto-injector, delivers a dose of epinephrine, a medicine that slows down the allergic reaction. You will still need to get medical help after using the device.
