Hives, eczema, facial swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness are all common symptoms of an immune reaction induced by a particular food or group of foods. Some individuals succumb to a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening without immediate medical attention. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, documenting your diet and symptoms can help to isolate the problematic foods. Discuss any potential allergies with your physician, particularly if you experience severe reactions.
Step 1
Keep a food diary in which you record everything you eat and when you ate it. Also record any suspected reactions to the food, when they occurred and the severity of the reaction.
Step 2
Give a detailed description of your symptoms. For instance, how soon after eating did you break out in hives? Did the hives cover your whole body or only a particular area? How quickly did the hives go away?
Step 3
Record any activity you engaged in throughout the day. Some individuals have exercise-induced food allergies and experience negative reactions to foods only if they are eaten shortly before activity.
Step 4
Write a detailed description of your family history of allergies. Family history plays an important role in clinical diagnosis of food allergies.
Step 5
With your physician's consent, eliminate the suspect food or foods from your diet for several weeks. Continue to write in your food journal and document any changes in your health. Gradually reintroduce the foods into your diet and note any reactions or symptoms.
Step 6
Write down any medications you are taking and the times at which you take them. Sometimes a reaction to medication can be confused with a food allergy.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
- Watch
