Patients in Illinois ask an Allergist, “How are food allergies diagnosed?”

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Patients in Illinois ask an Allergist, “How are food allergies diagnosed?”

Allergic reactions to foods may present in various ways, including hives, rashes, intestinal discomfort, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis, or allergic rhinitis. The allergy occurs through two interactions of the immune system.

First, immunoglobulin E, (IgE) a form of protein that is referred to as an antibody circulates in the blood. For some individuals, this antibody will form in reaction to certain foods. This condition is generally inherited from parents, who may have experienced any form of allergy, including hay fever, asthma, or hives. When an individual eats an allergen food, the body forms excess amounts of the antibody, IgE, which is released and attaches to mast cells, specific cells that exist in all body tissue.

The second factor is the interaction of the antibody with the mast cells, which are commonly located in areas of the body that are susceptible to allergic reactions, such as skin, throat, nose, lungs, and stomach. The location of the mast cells will determine the type of allergic reaction symptoms. When the antibody attaches to the mast cell, chemicals such as histamine are released. If the interaction occurs with mast cells in the nose, throat, or ears, a respiratory or oral reaction may occur. If the chemicals are released in the gastrointestinal tract, the reaction may present as vomiting, pain, or diarrhoea. Skin mast cells often produce hives.

For patients who experience food allergies, identification of the allergy is critical. At Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates, Dr. Noga Askenazi and her staff are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergies, including allergies to foods, pets, insect bites, eye allergies, and allergic rhinitis.

Board-certified allergists, Drs. Askenazi, offer several diagnostic options, in three Illinois locations, to determine the food allergen, including:

  • Skin testing – two methods of skin testing include a skin prick test, delivering results within minutes, or a skin patch test, performed over several days
  • Bloodwork evaluation
  • Oral challenge – a food challenge involves the patient consuming suspected food allergens under close supervision to effectively determine the cause of allergy

Patients who suffer from allergies or asthma can restore their quality of life by understanding and be treating their conditions. Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates offices are located in Elgin, and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Appointments may be scheduled by phone at (847) 888-8802 or online.

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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.


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