Allergy Veg + Non Veg Food Maxi Panel

A food allergy or food intolerance is a common ailment that affects millions of people. Anybody can experience adverse reaction after consuming a specific food due to allergy. Even exposure to a tiny amount of allergen is enough to trigger severe symptoms in your body. This is because your immune system misidentifies certain compounds in such food as being harmful. As a result, the immune system triggers an allergic response.

One of the biggest misconceptions about food allergies is that only a non-vegetarian diet can trigger allergic reactions. However, scientific studies and clinical research suggests that vegetarian food allergies are emerging in number.

People might be allergic to certain vegetables and fruits because of a unique genetic composition. Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive vegetarian food allergy test panel which comprises tests that look for specific antibodies responsible for triggering the reaction.

The symptoms to notice before opting for an allergy test package for food are:

• Itching in the lining of the mouth
• Swelling in mouth, lips, and face
• Abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
• Vomiting and nauseous feeling
• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing and asthma-like symptoms
• Hives or eczema on the skin
• Stiffness in the throat muscles and inability to swallow
• A drop in the blood pressure 
• Anaphylactic shock in severe cases

Given that certain common foods can cause allergic reactions in the body, the test package includes:

• Banana allergy test
• Milk allergy test
• Peanut allergy test
• Rice allergy test
• Soya bean allergy test
• Tomato allergy test

It is believed that most kids outgrow their allergies by the time they reach the age of five. However, in some cases, the allergy may become persistent. In such a scenario, it is essential to go for a food allergy test on time and diagnose the condition.

The identification of food allergy depends on the following factors:

• Types of symptoms that occur in the body
• Time taken by the body to exhibit noticeable symptoms
• Different types of food that causes a similar symptom
• Cooked or uncooked form of food
• Place where food is consumed

These are some of the questions a doctor might ask before prescribing a food allergy test to you. Additionally, many people confuse food allergies with lactose intolerance. Hence, a vegetarian food allergy test package helps diagnose different types of food allergies in a single go.

The allergy test package for food includes a simple antibody testing mechanism using the flow cytometry technique. It is a simple technique that looks for specific antibodies generated in your body against the allergen. The technique identifies all the surface proteins using fluorescent probes. 

Medically reviewed by Dr Jatin Ahuja, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

How to differentiate between food allergies and lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a genetic condition because of which your digestive system cannot digest lactose or dairy products. On the other hand, food allergies involve adverse immune reactions or hypersensitivity toward certain food items. While some of the symptoms may be common, it is easy to differentiate lactose intolerance from food allergy. Moreover, allergic reactions are noticeable on the skin, while lactose intolerance is not.

Can a vegetarian food allergy test identify specific allergens?

The food allergy test may not specifically identify the presence of the allergens. However, the blood sample is tested for its reactivity against certain immunoglobulins or proteins. This might reveal specific allergens that you might be allergic to.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Some visible symptoms of anaphylaxis include:  Itching or flushed skin Sudden drop in the blood pressure Constriction of airways Severe swelling in the tongue Weak pulse rate Dizziness

What happens during the vegetarian food allergy test?

The food allergy test is a straightforward procedure that involves a blood test. The service provider cleans the puncture site and inserts a sterile syringe into the veins. After drawing approximately 3 ml of blood, they tend to the puncture site again. This entire procedure hardly takes 10 minutes to complete.

Are any special preparations needed for the allergy test package for food?

No. The vegetarian food allergy test does not require special preparations like fasting or systematic sample collection. However, if you take any medication or supplement, you must inform your doctor before taking the food allergy test.

Does the food allergy test involve any risk?

No. The vegetarian food allergy test does not involve any risk. But, if you have a clotting or bleeding disorder, you must take good care of the puncture site. The area might bleed excessively or form a painful lump in rare cases.