Food Allergy Testing

Florida ENT Associates offers food allergy testing to help patients determine which foods they may be allergic to or confirm a suspected food allergy. The symptoms of food allergies can appear in several different ways. Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies include skin rashes, stomach aches or pains, itching or swelling in the throat, or difficulty breathing.

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doctor conducting an allergy test on a child

Some patients have known for years that they have a food allergy, while others may have long suspected one. Symptoms of food allergies can sometimes appear right after eating, while others may not appear for several hours. This can make finding the item you are allergic to more complex. Food allergy testing with Florida ENT Associates can help patients avoid foods they may be allergic to.

Food Allergy Testing Methods

Florida ENT Associates offers three primary food allergy testing methods. The specific type of testing you will receive will be personalized to your needs after a meeting with your provider. The testing methods we offer:

Skin Prick

This is the most popular form of food allergy testing. This method uses a small amount of the tested foods and places them on the skin. Your provider will use a needle to gently prick the skin, which allows the food sample to move beneath the skin’s surface. After a short time, a small skin reaction may become visible, indicating an allergy.

Blood Testing

This test is often used for those with sensitive skin. During the test, you will be asked to provide a blood sample. This will be sent to a laboratory for examination. The blood samples will be tested for many common foods and any suspected allergies and then tested for allergy antibodies.

Elimination Diet

This testing method has patients eliminate certain foods from their diets and track the progress of their symptoms. This is done following the direction of the provider. After a time, the foods will be added back into your diet to determine the food causing your symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?

Hives, itching, redness, or a tingling sensation in the skin
Abdominal pain
A swollen or itchy tongue
Congestion
Coughing
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Food allergies often affect certain areas of the body, including the skin, digestive system, and in some more severe cases, the respiratory system.

Benefits of Food Allergy Testing

Food allergy testing offers patients a definite diagnosis of their allergies. It can help patients avoid future reactions and help ensure patients understand which foods they should no longer consume. These tests can help patients with severe and more minor allergic reactions to food.

About Florida ENT Associates

Florida ENT Associates has been serving patients across Florida for over 20 years. We have five office locations throughout the area, including Clermont, Lake Wales, Sebring, Winter Haven, and Haines City.

We’ve made it our goal to provide each patient with:

Personalized Treatment

Our experienced providers understand that your treatment should always be customized to meet your unique needs, ensuring they never advocate for unnecessary steps or “cookie-cutter” treatments.

Top-rated Physician Network

We’ve built a provider network staffed with highly-trained physicians specializing in all areas of ENT care, including sleep, allergy, sinus, audiology, ear, head and neck, and voice and swallowing.

Continuity of Care

Our physicians strive to find you long-term solutions to your symptoms, ensuring you find lasting relief.

Community Investment

With five convenient locations across Florida, you can ensure that our staff will always be available to you when you need our services.

What to Expect at Your Allergy Testing Visit

Your allergy testing experience will begin by evaluating your symptoms and medical history with one of our providers. They will also ask to review any suspected or confirmed food allergies. After your initial evaluation, the provider will select a testing method based on your needs. Our tests are performed in-office, and the exact steps will vary depending on the method used. The results will be confirmed within a few weeks of your initial visit.

Food Allergy Testing FAQ

Can food allergies develop at any age?

Most food allergies start in childhood but can develop at any age.

Who is a candidate for food allergy testing?

Most patients are candidates for food allergy testing. If you have a suspected allergy or are just interested in discovering which foods you may be allergic to, you may be a candidate. Patients who can benefit are those who have recently begun to notice red skin rashes or pain after eating.