For adults and children worldwide, peanut allergies are a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. Even trace amounts of peanut protein can trigger a reaction, showing why access to a reliable peanut allergy treatment is so important. Before creating an allergy management plan, your allergist will first need to diagnose the condition. Here are some of the key ways the process works at our Atlanta-area centers.
What Happens During a Peanut Allergy Diagnosis?
While many people may suspect they or their child have a peanut allergy, only a professional diagnosis can provide certainty. By completing the following steps you’ll gain clarity about your condition, and avoid cutting foods from your diet unnecessarily.
Review Medical History and Symptoms
Your allergist will initially want to learn more about your reactions to peanuts or dishes containing them, such as sauces, baked goods and candy. This is an opportunity to discuss the types of symptoms you experience, such as skin reactions, respiratory issues and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, allergists will want to know how quickly symptoms appeared after exposure, the duration of responses, whether symptoms have worsened over time, as well as whether or not a family history of peanut allergies exists.
Skin Prick Testing for Peanut Allergies
Many people are unsure when to see a food allergist, particularly when they don’t know which specific food is causing their symptoms. In these cases, skin prick testing is a valuable diagnostic tool. During the test, small amounts of food extracts are placed on the skin and lightly pricked, allowing the allergist to assess a person’s response to multiple foods in a single visit. The development of a raised, red wheal indicates that your immune system has reacted to that allergen.
Alternative Testing Approaches for Peanut Allergies
Blood tests and oral food challenges are additional diagnostic methods used in some situations. A blood test draws a blood sample for lab analysis, and is helpful when you cannot stop antihistamines, or have a skin condition that makes skin testing unreliable. An oral food challenge involves eating small, increasing amounts of peanuts under medical supervision over several hours. The blood test is recommended when other results are unclear and a definitive diagnosis is needed.
Interpreting Peanut Allergy Test Results
Professional food allergy testing alone will not confirm or rule out a peanut allergy with complete certainty. For an accurate diagnosis, your allergist will need to interpret the results in combination with a medical history review and symptom analysis. Every stage of the process is used to confirm if you have a peanut allergy, then identify the best treatment plan to prevent severe reactions.
Visit Us for Peanut Allergy Care in the Atlanta Area
When you or your child experience a reaction after eating peanuts, a reliable diagnosis is key to finding the appropriate treatment. For accurate food allergy testing, visit one of our Atlanta-area centers to confirm the source of your reactions. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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