Food Allergy Testing and Management in Portland, Oregon

Understanding Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances are on the rise. In fact, about 32 million Americans have a food allergy. This equates to about 10% of the U.S. population. Thankfully, if you live in the Portland area, there are options for getting tested and finding relief. Keep reading to learn more about food allergy testing in Portland.

Common Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergies produce uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms in the body. Some of the most common food allergy symptoms include:

• Hives, itching or eczema
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat
• Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath
• Vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

If you experience any severe reactions after eating, it's important to be evaluated by an allergist. They can help determine if you have a food allergy or intolerance.

Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance

While food allergies and food intolerances cause similar symptoms, they have different underlying causes:

• A food allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to a food protein.
• A food intolerance is caused by an inability to properly digest certain foods.

Allergies also tend to cause more immediate and dangerous reactions compared to intolerances. That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis is so important.

Benefits of Food Allergy Testing

Undergoing food allergy testing can transform your health and wellbeing. Some top benefits include:

• Pinpointing problem foods - Testing helps identify which foods your body reacts negatively towards.
• Customizing your diet - Once problem foods are identified, you can eliminate them from your meals and snacks.
• Experiencing symptom relief - After removing trigger foods, most people find their symptoms resolve or dramatically improve.
• Preventing serious reactions - Identifying allergenic foods allows you to avoid them in the future.

Types of Food Allergy Testing

There are several types of tests that can help diagnose food allergies or intolerances:

• Blood tests - A blood sample checks for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to foods.
• Skin prick tests - Small amounts of foods are placed on the skin to check for IgE reactions.
• Oral food challenges - Foods are consumed under medical supervision to watch for reactions.
• Elimination diets - Foods are removed and then reintroduced while tracking symptoms.

Work with an experienced allergist to determine which test(s) are right for your situation.

Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test Overview

Everlywell offers an at-home food sensitivity test you can order online. Here's an overview of how it works:

1. Order the test kit from the Everlywell website.
2. Collect a small blood sample at home and mail it to a lab with a prepaid return envelope.
3. The lab analyzes your blood against 96 common foods and ingredients.
4. Results are available electronically in a few weeks, showing your IgG reaction to each item.

Key Benefits of the Everlywell Food Test

Some benefits that make the Everlywell food sensitivity test stand out include:

• Convenience of collecting your sample at home
• Testing a comprehensive panel of 96 foods
• Detailed report of mild, moderate and severe food reactions
• Follow-up consult with an allergy specialist if desired

For many, the convenience and extensive results make the Everlywell test an attractive option over skin or blood tests performed in a doctor’s office.

See an Allergist or Clinical Immunologist in Portland

In some cases, it’s best to meet directly with an allergy specialist to discuss your symptoms. Portland has excellent allergy and immunology clinics with knowledgeable providers.

During your appointment, the allergist takes a full history and performs testing as needed. Once problem foods are identified, they provide guidance on removing them from your diet and managing any reactions.

Ongoing follow-up appointments help ensure your treatment plan is working well. Don’t hesitate to connect with a Portland allergist if you suspect food allergies or intolerances are impacting your health.

Tips for Managing Food Allergies

If you have food allergies, here are some tips for staying safe and healthy:

• Read all food labels carefully and avoid any problem ingredients
• Alert friends and family about your food allergies when eating meals together
• Carry emergency epinephrine if you have a history of severe reactions
• Stick to food alternatives that align with your needs and preferences

With proper precautions, testing and dietary changes, most people achieve great control over their food allergies and symptoms.

FAQs

What are the most common symptoms of a food allergy?

The most common food allergy symptoms include hives, itching, eczema, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, coughing, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and fainting.

What foods cause the most allergic reactions?

The foods that most commonly trigger allergic reactions are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Sesame seeds and some fruits/vegetables can also cause allergies for some people.

When should I see an allergist?

You should make an appointment with an allergist if you experience any severe symptoms like swelling/trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting after eating a meal. An allergist can help diagnose your food allergies through testing and provide guidance on dietary changes and treatment.

Since there is no additional data provided, I generated these sample FAQs based solely on the content provided in the original article. Please let me know if you need me to modify or add any additional details to these FAQs.