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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will ask you questions about your allergies or any previous allergic reactions you've had. This evaluation will include questions about:
- Whether any particular foods seem to cause a reaction
- Any medications you take, and if certain medications seem linked to your symptoms
- Whether you've had allergy symptoms when your skin has been exposed to latex
- Whether stings from any particular type of insect seem to cause your symptoms
To help confirm the diagnosis:
- You may be tested for allergies with skin tests or blood tests
- You may also be asked to keep a detailed list of what you eat or to stop eating certain foods for a time
Your doctor will want to rule out other conditions as a possible cause of your symptoms, including:
- Fainting spells
- A condition other than allergies that causes flushing or other skin symptoms
- Mastocytosis, an immune system disorder
- Psychological issues, such as panic attacks
- Heart or lung problems
References
- Austen KF. Allergies, anaphylaxis, and systemic mastocytosis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2858746. Accessed June 2, 2010.
- Lieberman P, et al. The diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis: An updated practice parameter. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2005;115:S483.
- Tips to remember: Anaphylaxis. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisanaphylaxis.stm. Accessed June 4, 2010.
- Simons FE. Anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2010;125:S161.
- Yamashita Y, et al. Cutting edge: Genetic variation influences Fc-epsilon RI-induced mast cell activation and allergic responses. The Journal of Immunology. 2007;179:740.
- Simons FE. Anaphylaxis: Evidence-based long-term risk reduction in the community. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America. 2007;27:231.
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