IL specialists confirm or rule out suspected food allergies with an oral challenge test

IL specialists confirm or rule out suspected food allergies with an oral challenge test

More than a quarter of 40,000 children surveyed outgrew their food allergies, according to the largest study of its kind conducted by researchers from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Your child is more likely to outgrow a food allergy if he or she:

  • Is allergic to milk, egg, or soy
  • Experienced an allergic reaction at a very young age
  • Has a history of mild to moderate reactions
  • Is allergic to just one food
  • Experiences no more than eczema as a symptom

Children with severe swelling, respiratory problems, or anaphylaxis, as well as children with multiple allergies to foods such as shellfish and peanuts, were less likely to have outgrown their allergies. Since there are so many people that do outgrow their symptoms with age, it is important to know the status of your current health.

Furthermore, a number of recent studies have reportedly found anywhere between 50 percent and 90 percent of self-reported food allergies weren’t allergies at all. Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff can evaluate if you truly have a food allergy at present with an oral challenge test conducted at one of their convenient IL locations in Crystal Lake or Elgin.

While skin tests are widely accepted to diagnose a range of allergies, a definitive diagnosis can’t always be determined with these and other types of tests (such as blood testing) alone. This is where the oral ingestion challenge comes into play.

During this test, you will consume a very small amount of the suspected food. The food will be measured and the specialists at the Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois will supervise the entire process for your safety.

Dr. Askenazi will then watch for any food allergy symptoms. If no symptoms are seen, you will receive a slightly larger dose of the suspected allergen. This process will be repeated until a reaction is noticed or a predetermined final dose is reached. Most of the time, these symptoms are very mild, such as rashes or flushing. However, Dr. Askenazi may give you antihistamines or medications for symptom relief should you need them.

In this controlled and safe manner, our specialists can get you on the road to an effective food avoidance and treatment plan or rule out any foods as the cause of your symptoms. After all, you may have been misdiagnosed or may have outgrown your food allergies, or you could have a different trigger entirely.

Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule an appointment that will bring you closer to understanding any distressing symptoms you may be experiencing.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.