Sesame Seed IgE Allergy Blood Test

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

Sesame seed allergies aren't as well-known as others, but the consequences can be just as severe. Sesame allergies are difficult to detect because it comes in the form of a seed or oil. 

Sesame allergies, like tree nut allergies, can be cross-reactive. This means that if an individual has a sesame allergy, they may also have allergies to other seeds and nuts. Sesame allergies are often accompanied by allergies to hazelnuts and rye grain.

Sesame is used in a wide range of foods, cosmetics, supplements, medications, and pet food. An individual with a sesame allergy must ensure that they know the ingredients in the food they consume and the products they use.

Individuals with a sesame seed allergy should avoid the seed itself, sesame oil, and tahini, a butter. In addition, individuals should be cautious of foods known to contain sesame in some form, including:

• Bread
• Hamburger buns
• Bagels
• Rolls
• Breadsticks
• Cereals
• Sausage, processed meats
• Asian dishes containing sesame oil
• Baklava or Turkish cake
• Breadcrumbs
• Tempeh
• Sushi
• Sesame snap bars
• Margarine
• Melba toast
• Falafel
• Soups
• Sauces and dips, such as hummus and baba ghanoush
• Tortilla, pita, and bagel chips
• Gravies, marinades, dressings, and sauces
• Herbs, including herbal tea
• Vegetarian burgers
• Goma doff, a Japanese dessert
• Pasteli, type of Greek dessert
• Energy and protein bars
• Snack foods, including pretzels, candy, rice cakes, Halvah, and Japanese snack mix
• Flavored rice, noodles, and risotto
• Shish kebabs
• Stews
• Stir fry

An allergy to sesame seeds 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 exposure or consumption. Common symptoms of a sesame seed allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Redness in the face
• Itchiness in the mouth or throat
• Pain in the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hoarse voice
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Cardiac arrest, in extreme cases