Allergen, Individual-Food Red Chilly Test

Most people experience the symptoms of a runny nose and watery eyes and hiccups after consuming food with red chilli. These symptoms are not caused by the immune system, but rather from irritant effects on mucous membranes. Capsaicinoids are the chemicals present in chili pepper (the most common way of consuming red chilli) which provide nutritional benefits as well as the intense burning sensation in one’s palate. For people who complain of chili pepper allergy, the immune system treats these chemicals as a threat to the body. An antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is released which tries to find and destroy these chemicals, as a result of which the complainer may develop temporary rashes or gastrointestinal problems.

The test for this allergen doesn’t require any fasting or dietary changes. However, you should consult your doctor and follow any specific instructions issued by him/her or the lab technician. Testing for IgE is usually not affected by medications and interpretation of IgE tests is mostly dependent on the clinical picture. To make a diagnosis, allergists ask detailed questions about the history of allergy symptoms. Questions about the specific food items and the quantities consumed, the length of time that the symptoms developed in, the symptoms themselves, and the duration of their lasting, are common. You should preferably wear light comfortable clothing to the diagnostic center.

The individual allergen test for red chilli helps your doctor/allergist to come up with treatment plans for the allergy. Allergies may turn out to be fatal if not controlled correctly. Anaphylaxis is a common allergy arising from foods and medications, and therefore its detection at an early stage of the allergic reaction is extremely important.

The allergist will recommend a blood test (an ImmunoCAP test) and/or perform a skin prick (or skin scratch) food allergy test.