Allergies: Diagnosis & Test

Allergies Overview

Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and rash. Seasonal allergies result from grass, weed, tree pollen, or molds. Cat and dog dander allergies are common. Food allergies include peanut or milk.

Allergy Types
Learn the types of allergies including food allergies, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and many more.
Food Allergies
Food Allergies and Food IntoleranceFood allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. People often have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate and wonder if they have a food allergy.
Milk AllergyIf you suffer from a milk allergy, strictly avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include immediate wheezing, vomiting, and hives.
Egg AllergyEgg allergies -- especially to egg whites -- are more common in children than in adults and reactions range from mild to severe.
Wheat AllergyIf you are allergic to any wheat protein strictly avoiding wheat and wheat products is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include stomach upset, eczema, allergic rhinitis, bronchospasm (asthma-like symptoms) and even anaphylaxis.
Nut (Peanut) AllergyIf you suffer from a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts like cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction.


Fish AllergyIf your doctor is able to identify exactly which type of fish causes your allergies, than you only need to eliminate that species of fish from your diet. For the majority of fish allergy sufferers, this is not an option and all fish must be avoided.
Shellfish AllergyLearn about shellfish allergies and which foods to avoid.
Sulfite AllergySulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative. The FDA estimates that one out of 100 people is sensitive to the compounds.
Soy AllergySoy allergies start with soybeans. Soybeans are legumes. Other foods in the legume family include navy beans, kidney beans, string beans, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas (garbanzo or chichi beans), lentils, carob, licorice, and peanuts.
Casein AllergyIf a glass of milk or a slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other significant symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein, a protein in milk.
Seasonal Allergies
Spring AllergiesSpring is the time of year that we normally think of when it comes to seasonal allergies. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen gets airborne, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing.
Summer AllergiesAlthough spring most readily comes to mind when we think of allergies, many of the same allergic triggers that can make us miserable in the spring persist into summer.
Fall AllergiesThe allergy triggers might be slightly different, but they can be just as misery-inducing as the flower pollen that fills the air in the spring and summer.
Winter AllergiesHere are some common causes of winter allergies, and a few tips for managing your symptoms.
Pet Allergies
Dog AllergyFor a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Nearly 40% of U.S. households have a dog. Dog dander gets everywhere, including places where dogs have never set a paw.
Cat AllergyHere are some answers -- what you need to know about cat allergies, from causes to treatments.
Other Allergies
Hay FeverHay fever is an immune disorder characterized by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. Also known as allergic rhinitis, there are two types: seasonal, which occurs only during the time of year in which certain plants pollinate, and perennial, which occurs all year round.
Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, or STDs can spread easily from person to person but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly; allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Hives (Urticaria)Hives, also known as urticaria, are an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of allergies, or for other reasons.
Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and SumacPoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting in an itchy rash, which can appear within hours of exposure or up to several days later.
Allergies to Insect Stings (Bee Stings)Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. However, most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal sting reaction for an allergic reaction.
Mold AllergyPeople with mold allergies, however, may have a reaction if exposed to too much of the fungus.
Pollen AllergiesFor most people, a change of seasons signals the beginning of long, lazy days or cool, crisp evenings. But for the one in 10 Americans who suffers from pollen allergies, changing seasons can mean misery.
Sun Reactions of the SkinMost people's skin will burn if there is enough exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, some people burn particularly easily or develop exaggerated skin reactions to sunlight.
Aspirin Allergy (Salicylate Allergy)Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables as well as in many common health and beauty products.
Cosmetic AllergyAlthough cosmetics can help us feel more beautiful, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Nickel AllergyA nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal.
Drug AllergyMany drugs can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it.
Dust AllergyLife with dust allergies -- whether they're yours or a family member's -- comes with a load of questions. For instance, might a dust allergy explain your child's never-ending cold symptoms?
Chemical AllergyThey promise to make your skin soft, your hair shiny, and your laundry springtime fresh, but for some people the chemicals in shampoos, cosmetics, and detergents trigger allergic skin reactions.
Penicillin AllergyA penicillin allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to penicillin antibiotics.A penicillin allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to penicillin antibiotics.
Allergy Tests
To pinpoint the allergy problem -- and determine the treatment – your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and habits. You’ll also need various tests.
Diagnosis
Allergy Testing: The Physical ExamDiagnosing allergies starts with a doctor’s exam. Learn which questions your doctor may ask so you can be prepared.
Food Allergy TestingProper testing can make it much easier to live with a food allergy. See a list of the most common food allergies and learn how testing can make your life easier.  
Allergy Symptom DiaryIf you have a food allergy, you may need to keep a food diary – and remove certain foods from your diet – to determine exactly what you’re allergic to.
Elimination DietThe elimination diet involves removing specific foods or ingredients from your diet that you and your doctor suspect may be causing your allergy symptoms (common allergy-causing foods include milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy). Your doctor will supervise this diet over a few weeks.

Tests
Allergy Skin TestAn allergy skin test is used to identify the substances that are causing your allergy reactions. Learn more about allergy skin tests, including what happens during the test.
Blood Test for AllergiesSee how blood tests are used to diagnose allergies and learn what can interfere with the test.