For all the coffee lovers, we know how much it pisses you off to go for some pesky allergy test, but no matter how much it is thorn in the side it is one must not consume caffeine before the allergy test. An allergy test is a medical procedure for diagnosing the patient whether he/she has specific allergies. It also helps in recognizing allergens which are substances from which an individual is allergic.
Saying no to caffeine doesn’t just mean avoiding coffee before an allergy test but avoiding any kind of drink that may consist of caffeine such as soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and teas like chai or matcha. Knowing what to avoid before an allergy test helps better and faster diagnosis, and thereby better treatment.
Before we move forward, let’s talk about the different types of allergy tests, and how they are performed. Then, we cover a few aspects of what can be avoided before an allergy test.
Also, please read about the different allergy seasons, and when they start and end here.
In this article
Types of allergy tests
To identify what kind of allergy an individual is suffering from, a health professional conducts an allergy test. Allergy tests can be various types depending upon the purpose they are serving:
Patch Test: This test cause contact dermatitis, a type of skin reaction that can cause itchy, inflamed skin. During this test, small amounts of potential allergens are carefully applied to patches. These patches are then placed on the skin. These are then checked at intervals of time like in 48, 72, and 96 hours. This should be enough time for the reaction from the allergen to occur.
Skin Prick Test: This test is prevalent to diagnose allergies from pollen, mold, dust mites, etc and is usually the first step to diagnosis of several allergies. In this test, a small amount of allergen, like environmental allergens, pet allergens, or food allergens are applied and pricked to the skin of the forearm or back. This is done to let allergens enter the skin’s surface and see if there is some reaction. If present, the reaction typically manifests as a small, raised bump similar to a mosquito bite, indicating an immune response to the allergen in question.
Blood Test to check for IgG: Blood is drawn to check the presence of antibodies to some specific allergens. It is useful for people with skin problems as skin prick tests or patch tests can not be performed on them.
Why no caffeine before the allergy test?
Medical health professionals recommend not to consume caffeine before any allergy test since it can interfere with different physiological aspects of your body and thereby may lead to inaccuracy. The after-effects of caffeine such as anxiety, jitters, and increased heart rate can be mistaken as allergic reactions. Caffeine is a type of stimulant and diuretic in nature that can make you dehydrated during allergy tests which will affect the skin’s reactivity. And to answer people who ask why no caffeine before the allergy test, it’s something that may complicate the process of allergy testing and diagosis. To determine the exact results of allergies, one must avoid intake of caffeine as it can alter the body’s reactions to allergies.
What else to avoid
You shouldn’t just avoid caffeine before allergy but there are many foods and drinks that you should refrain from before going for an allergy test such as:
1. Fruits and vegetables: Fruits like apples, bananas, melons, cherries, avocados, tomatoes, and cucumbers can cause reactivity and mild reactions. So, it is better to avoid them especially if you are sensitive to such food.
2. Medication: Any medication such as Antihistamines, nasal sprays, or over-the-counter prescription should not be consumed before allergy tests as it can repress the allergic reaction which can alter your test results. Nuts and seeds, alcohol, and foods that might contain antihistamine properties such as onion, garlic, apples, etc. Other than these your doctor might tell you some substances to avoid as per your medical reaction.
What Not To Avoid Before An Allergy Test
While it’s important to discontinue certain medications before an allergy test, there are others that you should not stop taking. These include medications for chronic or acute conditions such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, and asthma. Stopping these medications can be dangerous and should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you are unsure about any medication, it’s best to consult your doctor.
To put it in a nutshell, if you want your allergy test results to be precise then you must avoid some foods and drinks. Follow some general recommendations before an allergy reaction that your physician tells you that might depend on your type of allergy test. It is advisable to consult your doctor before altering or adding something to your diet before your test.
