Diagnosis

Allergies are generally diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. Certain blood tests can be performed as well as skin testing which helps to identify specific allergens. Unfortunately, they often show reactions that have no practical significance. Therefore it is essential that all kinds of allergy testing are carried out by experts.

With pet allergies the diagnosis is often obvious - exposure to the pet results in symptoms appearing shortly afterwards. But if you're not sure whether you are allergic to an animal, your doctor can perform a skin test.

With food allergies there may be another cause for the symptoms. If the symptoms are pronounced and the suspicions of food allergy are well founded, a diagnosis by a specialist in allergic diseases will be necessary. Usually an allergist will suggest you keep to the following programme to obtain a diagnosis of food allergy. Two weeks on a normal varied diet while keeping a detailed diary of everything that is eaten and any reactions there have been. If there have been reactions, the food involved should be avoided over the following two weeks while continuing to keep the diary. If the symptoms get considerably better, the next step is an "open" provocation of your allergy where both you and your doctor know you are eating the food which may be causing your problems. If the symptoms return, you will be exposed to a number of placebo controlled provocations where neither the allergist nor you know whether you are eating the suspected food or not.