FOOD ALLERGY TESTING
If you suspect you may have a food allergy, then Allergy First is your clinic for food allergy testing!
Food allergies effects up to 8% of children under the age of five and 2% of adults in Australia.
At Allergy First we understand your time is precious, therefore we have created an "all in one" appointment, incorporating testing and results into a single consultation.
WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?
A food allergy is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an ordinarily harmless component within a food. The food is perceived as “foreign” and therefore threatening, so the immune system produces allergen-specific antibodies to protect the body. In response to an “infestation” the antibodies bind to food allergens; triggering the release of histamine and an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
In general, symptoms caused by a food allergy develop very quickly after consuming the offending food.
food allergy symptoms
Common food allergy symptoms include:
- Itching, burning or swelling around the mouth
- Runny nose, sneezing, nasal stuffiness
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Breathing difficulties, including wheezing, coughing and asthma
- Abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Eczema, hives
- Anaphylactic shock
'- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing, persistent coughing and asthma
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
FOOD ALLERGY TESTS
All Allergy First clinics offer food allergy tests.
Skin prick testing is a major diagnostic tool in the field of allergy. Skin prick testing is recommended as a primary method for the identification of allergic food sensitivities and food related acute urticaria, eczema and anaphylaxis.
food allergy TREATMENTS
Allergy First clinics offer a number of food allergy treatments for sufferers of food allergies.
Our food allergy management plans include:
- advice on avoiding allergic triggers
- advice on anaphylaxis
- diet changes
- EpiPens (adrenaline injectors)
- recommendations on medications including antihistamines & corticosteroids
BOOK A FOOD ALLERGY CONSULTATION
To book an "all in one" food allergy testing appointment at your nearest Allergy First clinic, click a "Book An Appointment" button below.