Adult Food Allergy - Do I really have it and how can I find out?

A food allergy occurs when your immune system identifies a particular food as a "danger" and mounts an immune response that is an overreaction to the food allergen. Adult food allergies can be due to food allergies that persist from childhood or newly develop in adulthood (adult-onset food allergy). In Southeast Asia, common adult food allergies include shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts. 

How should I determine if I have Food Allergy?



Your doctor may refer you to the allergist for further evaluation. Your allergist will go through in detail your symptoms and their relation to food consumption. Symptoms of a food allergy reaction can involve the skin and in more serious cases, the respiratory tract, the gut and the cardiovascular system. 

Not all reactions to food are due to food allergy. Such reactions, known as food intolerances, are not related to the immune system and present with different symptoms from food allergy. Your allergist will be able to help you determine if you are suffering from food allergy or food intolerance. 

Will I require Food Allergy Testing?



Depending on the history obtained from your food allergy reaction, your allergist may arrange for further allergy testing. These tests can include skin tests (skin prick tests, prick-to prick test) and blood tests to detect antibodies (specific IgE) against the suspected food allergen(s). 



How should I cope with Food Allergy?



Your allergist will make a comprehensive assessment of your risk of suffering from further food allergy reactions and will be able to discuss with you various ways of coping with your food allergy. Some important measures include learning how to avoid the trigger food and being able to understand food packaging labels. If you have more severe food allergy reactions, your allergist may provide you with emergency medications to quickly reverse the reaction when it occurs.