• INGESTION CHALLENGE: Often specific foods or prescription drugs are suspected of triggering symptoms which can range from classic hives and facial swelling to vomiting or diarrhea.  For the appropriate patient we are able to test or challenge the patient to a specific food or medication in a safe environment by using a graded dosing protocol.

 Skin testing initially may be performed, followed by controlled ingestion of increasing amounts of the suspected substance while under careful observation. Ingestion challenges can be performed with one food item at a time-- a good example would be almonds. Ingestion challenges may also be done with antibiotics if this is the item in question. These challenges may be very helpful in expanding the diet of someone with multiple food allergies, or expanding the drug options of someone with multiple drug allergies.