Common symptoms and diagnostic tests for food allergies and intolerances.

By Victoria Groce, About.com Guide to Food Allergies

Learn the basics of food allergies, then read about food allergy symptoms, from hives to anaphylaxis. About to see the allergist? Here's what to expect from common diagnostic tests.

1. Food Allergy Basics
2. Food Allergy Symptoms
3. Food Allergy Diagnosis

Food Allergy Basics

You've heard the term "allergy" your entire life, and you're aware of some of allergies' effects. But how do allergies work, exactly? And what's it like to live with a food allergy? Here are the basics to get you started.

• Food Allergy Overview
• What Are Food Allergies?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergies
• 10 Facts and Myths About Food Allergies

Food Allergy Symptoms

Most food allergies present with one or more of six common symptoms. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of food allergies, as well as the symptoms of food intolerances --- reactions to food that don't involve the immune system. You'll also find information on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis, the most severe symptom of food allergies.

• Six Common Food Allergy Symptoms
• Anaphylaxis
• Hives and Food Allergies
• Asthma and Food Allergies

Food Allergy Diagnosis

Getting an accurate diagnosis of your allergies is important --- only after your allergist determines the cause of your symptoms can you begin to manage your allergies. Here's an overview of the most common allergy tests, along with in-depth profiles of the tests your allergist is most likely to order.

• Common Allergy Tests
• Prick Tests
• RAST Tests
• Elimination Diets

• Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges
• How to Keep a Food Log
• Diagnosing Food Intolerances