Ailments & Conditions

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

How to Diagnose an Allergic Reaction

To figure out whether you have an allergic reaction, your doctor will ask several questions about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam can be done to look for possible signs as well. For food allergies, you need to provide information about your diet, including what foods you eat and when you eat them. Two tests can help with the diagnosis:

– Blood test: The ImmunoCAP testing or radioallergosorbent test, also known as specific IgE blood testing, evaluates the level of allergy-causing antibodies in the blood.

– Skin test: Your doctor will prick a small amount of proteins in common allergens to the skin. If you have an allergic reaction, a raised bump will happen at the tested area. [5]