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Yep, you read that title right: food allergy testing is not the be all, end all, as it does not tell us about immune tolerance.
Did you know that positive skin and/or blood testing does not confirm food allergy is present?
This is because food allergy skin testing and food allergy blood testing only tell one side of the story – the allergy side. They say nothing about another very important part of the immune system…
Immune tolerance.
Immune tolerance is what allows a kiddo to ingest a food without having an allergic reaction.
If a kiddo has positive allergy skin testing and/or a positive allergy blood testing but also has robust immune tolerance to that food, immune tolerance will outweigh food allergy.
So it is kind of like a teeter-totter!
Immune tolerance and food allergy – exploring the relationship
Learn more on this episode of the podcast!
And check out this great video on allergy antibodies and this earlier post on immune tolerance.
Additional Notes
I’ve mentioned the non-profit Code Ana…
The non-profit The Teal Schoolhouse supports Code Ana, the nation-wide program that equips schools for medical emergencies like anaphylaxis. Code Ana’s School Program is a comprehensive approach to school-focused medical preparedness. In a nutshell (pun???), this program guides schools through the process of creating a medical emergency response plan. A plan is sooo important for all kiddos and for adults at any school! Our primary goal is to share the School Program. Code Ana’s Online Epinephrine Training Program helps support that goal. Through this program, you will educate yourself while you support this important mission! (BTW although Pam and I serve in leadership roles of Code Ana and The Teal Schoolhouse, our time/effort/work is completely voluntary). Does your kiddo’s school have Code Ana?
