Delayed food allergy testing
When I eat certain foods, I don't have any severe symptoms, but I feel unwell for some reason. I also feel lethargic or drowsy for an unknown reason...
If so, you may have a delayed food allergy.
What is a delayed food allergy?
There are two types of food allergies: immediate (type 1 allergy) and delayed (type 3 allergy).
Immediate-type allergies that appear immediately in the body
Generally speaking, food allergies refer to allergies to eggs, soybeans, milk, buckwheat, and shellfish such as shrimp and crab, and are problematic when they cause symptoms such as itching, hives, and difficulty breathing immediately after eating.
These are called immediate allergies and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and appropriately.
This condition involves an immune substance called IgE antibody, and has the characteristic that typical symptoms appear immediately, making it easy to identify the relationship to the causative food.
Delayed-type allergies that are difficult to recognize
On the other hand, there are food allergies where symptoms appear anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after ingesting the food.
This is called a delayed-type allergy, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms, as well as stiff shoulders, chronic fatigue, skin problems, and indigestion.
Since delayed-type allergies do not cause symptoms immediately after consuming the causative food, the problem often goes unnoticed and is left untreated.
This means that the foods you normally enjoy eating could be unknowingly damaging your health.
The main symptoms of delayed food allergies
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal fullness, etc.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Anxiety neurosis, headaches, emotional instability, depression, heavy head, lack of concentration, etc.
Skin symptoms
Eczema, acne, (atopic) dermatitis, dandruff, hives, rough skin, excessive sweating, etc.
Respiratory system
Runny nose, stuffy nose, chronic sinusitis, asthma, etc.
Genitourinary system
Frequent urination, urgency, bedwetting (children), premenstrual syndrome, vaginal discharge, etc.
Musculoskeletal system
Muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
others
Chronic fatigue, migraines, swelling, mouth ulcers, dry eyes, etc.
Testing for delayed-type allergies
Allergy tests performed in Japan under health insurance coverage test for immediate IgE antibodies.
In contrast, delayed food allergy tests test for IgG antibodies to 96 different foods.
By taking this test, you can find allergies that you may not have been aware of before. By reviewing your diet based on the results, you can expect to see improvements in various symptoms caused by delayed food allergies.
In addition, even if you currently have no symptoms, it can be used to find out whether or not you may develop delayed-type food allergies in the future.
We provide the most appropriate advice for each patient and lifestyle advice tailored to the level of their allergies.
As a result, many cases have been reported in which the allergic reactions have subsided to a level that is no longer noticeable six months later.
Flow of delayed food allergy testing
All that is required is a small amount of blood being drawn.
Step 1: Interview and examination
Step 2: Blood collection (about 1mL)
Step 3: Follow-up examination to explain results, provide lifestyle advice and suggest treatment methods
Step 4: If the result is positive, you will be asked to improve your diet and monitor your physical condition with follow-up examinations at intervals of approximately 2 to 6 months.
Price list (private medical treatment)
Delayed food allergy test: 49,500 yen (tax included)