Garlic Allergy IgE Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Garlic Allergy IgE Blood Test to measure the IgE antibody levels in the blood and to help detect an allergy to garlic. Garlic is a common addition to a wide variety of cooked dishes and cold recipes, making it difficult for an allergic individual to avoid them. Some individuals react by touching, eating, or smelling garlic in its raw form. Others encounter symptoms from both cooked and raw garlic.

What foods or products should I avoid if I am allergic to garlic?

Garlic is part of a large group of vegetables known as the allium family. Since garlic is regularly used in flavoring, preserving, and cooking different foods, allergic individuals should pay close attention to foods that contain not only garlic but also include members of the allium family. Some food that can cause garlic allergy symptoms may include:

• Leeks
• Chives
• Shallots
• Scallions
• Broth/stock
• Onions
• Pre-made sauces and soups
• Onion juice
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Flavored cheese, particularly Mexican cheese
• Frozen turkey and chicken
• Most canned or processed meat, unless specified otherwise
• Pre-made pizza crusts
• Saltine crackers

What causes an allergy to garlic?

An individual's immune system triggers an allergic reaction to garlic. The body views certain substances (proteins) as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to combat these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

When should I order a Garlic Allergy IgE Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a garlic allergy. Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can occur within minutes to a few hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a garlic allergy may include one or more of the following:

• Hives or rash
• Itching
• Headache
• Coughing or wheezing
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Tingling sensation in the mouth
• Trouble breathing

A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur in some cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Rapid or increased pulse
• Swollen throat or lump making it difficult to breathe
• Low blood pressure
• Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness