Allergy Testing, Sensitivity & Treatment: What You Need to Know

Food allergies and other types of food hypersensitivities affect millions of Americans and their families. If you or a loved one experiences unexplained symptoms after eating certain foods, understanding the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity — and knowing your allergy testing options — is the first step toward feeling better.

​At AFC Med, we help patients identify triggers, understand their symptoms, and find an effective allergy treatment plan.

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What Is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. Unlike a food intolerance, which typically involves the digestive system, a true food allergy triggers an immune response that can affect the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system.


Food allergic reactions vary in severity. Some people experience mild symptoms such as hives or lip swelling, while others may develop severe, life-threatening symptoms — often called anaphylaxis — that can involve dangerous respiratory problems and shock. Because reactions can escalate quickly, anyone with a suspected food allergy should be evaluated by a medical professional and have a clear action plan in place.

The Top 8 Food Allergens

While any food can potentially cause an adverse reaction, eight types of food account for about 90 percent of all food allergic reactions in the U.S.:

1. Eggs
2. Milk and Dairy
3. Peanuts
4. Tree Nuts
5. Fish
6. Shellfish
7. Wheat
8. Soy
9. Sesame

If you notice a pattern of symptoms after eating any of these foods, food allergy testing can help confirm whether an allergy is the underlying cause.

Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity: What's the Difference?

It's easy to confuse a food allergy with a food sensitivity (also called an intolerance), but they involve different bodily systems and require different management approaches:

• Food Allergy: Involves the immune system and can trigger reactions ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis, even from trace amounts of the trigger food.
• Food Sensitivity/Intolerance: Typically involves the digestive system and causes symptoms like bloating, gas, or discomfort. While uncomfortable, these reactions are generally not immune-related and are not usually life-threatening.

Because symptoms can overlap, professional food sensitivity testing and allergy testing are the most reliable ways to get an accurate diagnosis rather than relying on guesswork or elimination alone.

How Allergy Testing Works

At AFC Med, our allergy testing process is designed to pinpoint your specific triggers so you can manage your symptoms with confidence.

Common testing method is:

• Skin Prick Testing: A small amount of allergen is introduced to the skin to observe for a reaction, offering quick, reliable results for many common allergens.

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A thorough evaluation often combines your medical history, symptom patterns, and one or more of these testing methods for the most accurate results.

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Treatment Options for Food Allergies

While there is currently no universal cure for food allergies, effective allergy treatment strategies can significantly reduce risk and improve quality of life:

• Strict Avoidance: Learning to read labels carefully and avoid cross-contamination is the primary line of defense.
• Emergency Preparedness: Patients with a history of severe reactions are often prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector and given a personalized anaphylaxis action plan.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Allergies can change over time, especially in children, so periodic re-testing helps ensure your management plan stays current.
• Emerging Therapies: Depending on your specific allergy and health history, your provider may discuss newer treatment approaches designed to build tolerance over time.

When to See an Allergist

If you experience recurring symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive upset, or breathing difficulty after eating, don't wait to get answers. Early diagnosis through professional allergy testing can help you avoid dangerous reactions and take control of your health.


Schedule an appointment with AFC Med today to discuss your symptoms and explore personalized allergy testing and treatment options for you and your family.