Food Intolerance Testing

Food intolerance testing is used to detect if your child or you are allergic to a particular food. It is also used to understand whether you are truly allergic to a food or just sensitive to it. Food intolerance is a reaction of the immune system affecting our organs. It can lead to serious health consequences. It gives rise to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas.

Some common food sensitivities include:

• Lactose: A variety of sugar is seen in dairy products. It is often confused with milk allergy.
• Gluten: A protein available in barley, wheat, and a few other grains.
• MSG: A type of additive used in some foods.

You may require a food intolerance test on the NHS if you experience any symptoms associated with the condition or if you have some risk factors. Risk factors for developing food intolerance include:

• Family history of food intolerance or allergies
• Any other food allergies
• Other allergies, such as eczema or hay fever
• Asthma

The symptoms of food intolerance often affect different parts of our bodies. Some of the common body parts that experience symptoms of food allergies include:

• Skin: The skin is usually the organ where we can notice the first signs of an allergic reaction. The symptoms of food allergies we can see on the skin include itching, hives, redness, and tingling. In babies, the very first symptom of food intolerance appears in the form of a rash.
• Respiratory system: Some food allergies also affect our respiratory system, including our nose, throat, and lungs. The common symptoms associated with food intolerance include coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and nasal congestion.
• Digestive system: Some food intolerances also affect our digestive system. Common symptoms include itching or swelling of the tongue, abdominal pain, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Some cases of food intolerance may also lead to severe anaphylactic shock that affects the entire body. The symptoms of anaphylactic shock include:

• Fast pulse
• Rapid swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue
• Trouble breathing and tightening of airways
• Pale skin
• Dizziness
• Feeling faint

Symptoms can occur just a few seconds after exposure to the allergic substance as well. Without receiving appropriate medical attention, the condition can prove to be fatal as well. A food intolerance test helps you detect such allergies before they get too serious or dangerous.