Food Allergy Testing Near Delray Beach, FL

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Reactions to food are common and can be divided into two categories: those caused by food allergy and all other reactions. It is important to know the difference between food allergies and other illnesses or symptoms caused by foods because the management of each is different. At Angelos Koutsonikolis, M.D. in Boynton Beach, FL, we conduct precise tests to accurately diagnose food allergies and empower you with strategies to safely manage allergens in your diet.

Differentiating Food Allergies from Other Reactions

Food allergies develop when the body's immune system has an abnormal reaction to one or more proteins in a food. Food allergies can lead to serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions.


Other food reactions are not caused by the immune system. These reactions cause unpleasant symptoms and are far more common than food allergies. Examples include lactose intolerance, heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux), bacterial food poisoning, and sensitivity to caffeine, just to name a few.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

The symptoms of a food allergy can vary from mild to severe or even life-threatening. It is not always possible to predict how severe symptoms will be based on the symptoms experienced during a previous reaction. As an example, a person could have mild hives after eating peanuts on one occasion and then have an anaphylactic reaction after eating peanuts another time.


The most common sudden-onset symptoms of food allergy include:


Skin – Itching, flushing, hives (urticaria, like mosquito bites), or swelling (angioedema)


Eyes – Itching, tearing, redness, or swelling of the skin around the eyes


Nose and mouth – Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, swelling of the tongue, or a metallic taste


Lungs and throat – Difficulty getting air in or out, repeated coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or other sounds of labored breathing, increased mucus production, throat swelling or itching, hoarseness, change in voice, or a sensation of choking


Heart and circulation – Dizziness, weakness, fainting, rapid, slow, or irregular heart rate, or low blood pressure


Digestive system – Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea.


Nervous system – Anxiety, confusion, or a sense of impending doom.


Many different foods can potentially trigger anaphylaxis. In adults, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., walnuts), fish, and shellfish cause most anaphylactic reactions. In children, peanuts and tree nuts are the most common causes of anaphylactic reactions.

Food Allergy Diagnosis

Testing for food allergies often includes skin testing and/or blood tests. Skin testing involves pricking/scratching the skin with a tiny probe that is coated with food extract.

Food Allergy Treatment

The main treatment for food allergies is dietary avoidance. People can avoid most of the things to which they are sensitive if they read food labels carefully and avoid restaurant-prepared foods that might have ingredients to which they are allergic.


Patients with severe food allergies must be prepared to treat an inadvertent exposure. Those who have had anaphylactic reactions to a food should wear medical alert bracelets or necklaces stating that they have a food allergy and that they are subject to severe reactions. Such people should always carry two syringes of adrenaline (epinephrine), obtained by prescription from their doctors, and be prepared to self-administer it if they think they are getting a food allergic reaction.


They should then immediately seek medical help by either calling 911 or getting a ride to the emergency room. Anaphylactic allergic reactions can be fatal even when they start off with mild symptoms such as a tingling in the mouth and throat or gastrointestinal discomfort. Schools must have plans in place to address any emergency.

For precise diagnosis and effective food allergy treatment, consult our experienced team. Call us at 561-733-3546 to schedule an appointment. 

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