Dr. David Zarian, an allergy doctor in Encino offers personalized food allergy testing and allergy treatment for all patients in Encino, CA.

An allergy test can establish whether you have an allergy as well as the precise causes or triggers of the allergy.

There are a number of allergens that evokes allergies in both children in adults such as mold, pollen, house dust mites, insects and pet fur.

Food allergy, in particular, is triggered by a variety of foods in your diet such as peanuts, milk, eggs and shellfish.

What causes food allergy?

Food allergies occur when a certain food protein or additive prompts the release of high levels of histamine and other hormones in the skin to fight against it and protect the body.

As a result, these substances cause the blood vessels and body tissues to bulge, often resulting in redness or skin-colored and producing welts.

It is these welts or wheals that cause swelling and itchiness. This triggers symptoms such as:

• Rash, hives or eczema
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling of lips, tongue, and face
• Nausea or vomiting
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Diarrhea

How do you get tested for food allergy?

Dr. David Zarian will recommend food allergy tests in order to rule in or rule out food allergy.

An allergy skin test will be conducted by placing a small drop of the liquid food extract on your skin, and then the skin is pricked lightly.

It is a fast, painless and reliable test that lasts for only 15 minutes.

If a raised bump with redness around it appears on your skin, then you’re likely allergic to that particular food allergen and you probably need treatment for food allergy.

In some cases, a blood test may be used but you’ll have to wait for between one or two weeks to get the results.

To confirm skin prick test results, Dr. Zarian may ask you to do a food challenge test where you’re given a gradually increasing amount of the suspected food item that causes allergy, to see how you react. It is the most accurate test for food allergy.

Food allergy testing in Encino

If you suspect you or your child has food allergies, you should visit an Encino allergist for proper diagnosis and allergy testing.

Why Choose Dr. David Zarian?

Dr. David Zarian is a diligent and engaging physician specializing in internal medicine. His focus is to treat each patient in an individual manner, with compassion and the utmost professionalism.

Dr. Zarian is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

He is also fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi which makes him accessible to patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds.