Food Allergies Support Group

You can go to an allergist and get a pin test, but Scrod knows how much that would cost. The free way is to cut yourself down to a few plain, preferably organic foods you know you are OK with for a week, and clear yourself of histamines with something like Benadryl, then add other foods in one at a time and see what you react to.

I have had both the pin test and blood testing. The blood test was by far the most conclusive. But neither were inexpensive. In searching online, I have found a blood test kit that is very similar to the one I had done @ my doctor's office. It doesn't test quite as many foods as the one I had done, but it's MUCH more affordable. I believe a primary care physician is required in the order request, but I would think it would be worth checking out. I just did a search for Food Allergy Test and came across it. Lastly, I also agree with Reply #1, that Benadryl and antihistamines are helpful, but the elimination of allergen related foods has made a significant change in my life.

Thank you both for your replies.

Pat

It is definetely important to find out what your allergies are... Find a good doctor you trust and ask about your options. My son was tested by both skin and blood tests, in the US and here in Brazil... I kind of compared it all, not much of a difference...

if igE allergies suspected, home testing is not advised at ALL. for obvious reasons.

there are two types of tests, rast, and skin prick tests, the later is less expensive and can give clear on the spot results, blood tests can take some weeks, and costs more.

however, if trying to discover what your allergies are, a immunologist will take in to account 3 things, history, and results of both blood and skin prick tests.
then normally a allergy doc will go forward with either test.

personally my son has had the skin prick tests, and we have been ok with this, i dont need to know numbers or ratings of his allergies, as all of the food ones, and for a short time the dog one , are consided potentially life threatening.

we are a lucky family to get the correct medical care for our child in the uk , as this is so rare that i have been asked how i achieved the 'holy grail'. there is a very big shortage of imunologists/ and full time clinics in the uk.