Common symptoms, tests, and treatments for food allergies and intolerances.
From About.com
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.
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?
- What Are Food Intolerances?
- Risk Factors for Food Allergies
- Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergies
- 10 Facts and Myths About Food Allergies
- Are Food Allergies Really Becoming More Common?
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.
- Asthma and Food Allergies
- Eczema and Food Allergies
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis and other Eosinophilic Disorders
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
- When Should I Go See a Doctor for Possible Food Allergy Symptoms?
- Prick Tests
- RAST Tests
- Interpreting RAST Test Results
- Elimination Diets
- Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges
- How to Keep a Food Log
- Diagnosing Food Intolerances
- Is It An Allergy? Conditions People Confuse with Food Allergies
Food Allergy Treatments

Medical treatments for food allergies, from fast-acting treatments for severe reactions like anaphylaxis to therapies aimed at controlling allergies.
