Potato Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order a potato allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to potatoes. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample.

White potatoes, a widely grown agricultural crop, are a popular cornerstone of many individuals' diets, giving them a place on tables from breakfast to dinner. They are nutritious, delicious, abundant, hearty, and versatile. While an allergy to potatoes is rare, it significantly affects an individual's life due to popularity. An allergy can occur for the first time at any age, and it is possible to be allergic to both raw and cooked potatoes. Individuals with a true potato allergy may react after touching, peeling, or eating potatoes.

Potatoes are part of the nightshade plant family, which includes many plants and vegetables. If an individual is allergic to potatoes, it is also possible to be allergic to other items in this family. The nightshade family includes:

• Tobacco
• Eggplant
• Tomato
• Tomatillo
• Gogi Berry
• Paprika
• Different types of peppers
• Pimento
• Cayenne pepper
• Jalapeno pepper
• Chili pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Red pepper flakes

It may be more challenging to eliminate potatoes from a diet than it seems. Potatoes can be found as an ingredient in many snacks, meals, and even drinks. Allergic individuals should pay close attention to avoid foods containing potatoes such as:

• French fries
• Chips
• Vodka
• Salty snacks
• Croquettes
• Certain kinds of pasta
• Casseroles
• Many types of:
  • Stews
  • Purees
  • Soups

In addition, allergic individuals should real labels since many foods contain potato derivatives as hidden ingredients. For example:

• Potato flour - may be used as a substitute for wheat flour in restaurants or pre-packaged foods
• Dried, cooked potato - sometimes used as a thickener in processed foods, such as stew or soup
• Vodka - many types are made from potato
• Modified potato starch - can be found in a large variety of products, including candy
• Shredded cheese may contain potato starch

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

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after consumption or exposure. Common symptoms of a potato allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Watery, itchy, or swollen eyes
• Hives
• Rash
• Itchy skin 
• Tingling of the lips
• Swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drop in blood pressure
• Anaphylaxis