A recent article with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reported that a family history of food allergies does not necessarily mean you will also have a food allergy. Only 28 percent of parents of kids with food allergies tested positive to the foods to which they reported allergies.

The article reports, and Drs. Steven and Bukstein agree, that oral food challenges are the "gold standard" when it comes to diagnosing food allergies. An allergy blood test alone may not be able to determine an allergy.

At AASC, patients are brought in to consume bits of the food to which they believe they are allergic. There is not enough being consumed to be a serious threat to the patient's health, but if the patient is allergic, we will start to see signs and symptoms, then discontinue the challenge. If no signs are symptoms are present during the visit and waiting period afterward, patients should be able to consume that food with no future problems.

Read the full article here and call our office if you would like to discuss food allergies with our doctors.