Should You Get Tested for Food Allergies Before the Holidays?

Ever eaten something at a holiday potluck and regretted it later? Whether it’s bloating and unexplained stomach cramps or an itching in your throat that flares up at holiday gatherings, many people wonder if they should get tested for food allergies before the holidays. 

The answer is maybe. If you’re experiencing certain symptoms, testing could be helpful. 

Dr. Thomas Fowler at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, can evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine whether food allergy testing is appropriate. He can help differentiate between food allergies, food sensitivities, or other conditions that can mimic an allergic reaction, so you have a safe plan.

Food allergy symptoms 

Before testing for a food allergy, it helps to understand common symptoms. However, symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Jotting down notes before you come in can make your appointment more productive. A simple record of what you ate, the date, any symptoms, and how long they lasted can help narrow down potential triggers. 

We recommend food allergy testing when you’ve experienced the following symptoms:

• Hives, swelling, wheezing, or GI symptoms after specific foods 
• History of asthma or eczema with suspected food reactions 
• Swollen lips or tongue 
• Low blood pressure 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Symptoms minutes or hours after eating something new
• Past reactions, and you want peace of mind 

According to Food Allergies Research and Education (FARE), approximately 33 million people in the US have at least one food allergy. 

You can see additional food allergy symptoms here. 

Why before the holidays? 

There are multiple reasons why food allergy symptoms can flare up during the holidays:

• More food variety or foods you haven’t seen since the last holiday season
• Cross-contamination from shared utensils and “secret” ingredients
• New-to-you recipes can contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions
• Hosts who may not know how to avoid or label specific ingredients

Getting clear on what’s triggering your symptoms helps prevent avoidable emergencies and saves you from playing food roulette. 

Common food allergens 

Food allergies aren’t always tied to easy-to-avoid foods like portobello mushrooms. Some of the most common foods that trigger allergies are all around you. 

Common food allergies include:

• Milk 
• Eggs 
• Soy 
• Shellfish 
• Wheat
• Fish
• Peanuts 
• Tree nuts 
• Soybeans
• Sesame

Sometimes known as the “top 9”, these foods account for the majority of food allergy reactions. If you experience allergy symptoms after eating them, it’s important to get tested. 

Reassuring next step 

If you experience unexplained reactions after eating, a food allergy test can help you enjoy the holidays with confidence. Dr. Fowler and the team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, can guide you through testing, help you understand your results, and create a personalized plan to keep you safe. You can schedule your appointment online.