Question 1

What is Sesame Allergy?

Accepted Answer

Sesame allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in sesame seeds that can cause symptoms ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. It is caused by the immune system producing IgE antibodies against sesame proteins, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals. The Food Allergen Profile, IgE With Component Reflexes is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures sesame-specific IgE antibodies that indicate immediate allergic reactions.

Question 2

What causes sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

Sesame allergy is caused by an abnormal immune system response to proteins found in sesame seeds, particularly Ses i 1, Ses i 2, and Ses i 3. When someone with a sesame allergy consumes or comes into contact with sesame, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful invaders and produces IgE antibodies to fight them. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening whole-body reaction.

Question 3

What is the best test for sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

The Food Allergen Profile, IgE With Component Reflexes is the most important test for sesame allergy because it measures sesame-specific IgE antibodies (F10) that indicate immediate allergic reactions. This test detects the antibodies your immune system produces in response to sesame proteins, and elevated levels confirm that your body has an allergic response to sesame seeds. For those experiencing delayed or ongoing symptoms, the IgG4 Food Panel IV can also be helpful as it measures IgG4 antibodies that may indicate delayed-type immune responses to sesame and other foods. These blood tests provide objective evidence to confirm a sesame allergy diagnosis when combined with your symptom history.

Question 4

When should I get tested for sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like hives, itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea within minutes to hours after eating sesame-containing foods. Testing is especially important if you have had a severe reaction or anaphylaxis after consuming foods like tahini, hummus, sesame bagels, or other products containing sesame seeds or sesame oil. You should also consider testing if you have other food allergies or a family history of allergies, as these increase your risk of sesame allergy. Early diagnosis is critical because sesame allergic reactions can be unpredictable and potentially life-threatening.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

Sesame allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear within minutes to two hours after exposure. Mild symptoms include hives, itching, redness of the skin, tingling or itching in the mouth, and nasal congestion. More serious symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, sesame allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing that requires immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine.

Question 6

Who is at risk for sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of food allergies or other allergic conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever have a higher risk of developing sesame allergy. Children are particularly vulnerable, though sesame allergy can develop at any age and is less likely to be outgrown compared to other food allergies like milk or egg. Individuals with allergies to tree nuts or peanuts are also at increased risk due to cross-reactivity between similar proteins. Sesame allergy has been increasing in prevalence worldwide, and as of 2023, sesame became a recognized major food allergen requiring labeling on packaged foods in the United States.

Question 7

What happens if sesame allergy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If sesame allergy is left undiagnosed or untreated, you remain at risk for repeated allergic reactions that can escalate in severity with each exposure. Without proper diagnosis, you may unknowingly consume sesame in hidden sources like baked goods, sauces, dips, and processed foods, potentially triggering dangerous reactions. The most serious consequence is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that can occur suddenly and requires immediate treatment with epinephrine. Without an emergency action plan, prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, and awareness of sesame-containing products, individuals with sesame allergy face ongoing risk of severe and potentially fatal reactions.

Question 8

Can sesame allergy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sesame allergy can be effectively diagnosed with blood tests that measure specific antibodies to sesame proteins. The Food Allergen Profile, IgE With Component Reflexes measures sesame-specific IgE antibodies that indicate immediate allergic reactions, while the IgG4 Food Panel IV detects IgG4 antibodies associated with delayed immune responses. These blood tests provide objective evidence of allergic sensitization when combined with your medical history and symptoms. Blood testing offers several advantages over skin prick tests, including no risk of triggering an allergic reaction during testing, accurate results even if you are taking antihistamines, and the ability to test for multiple allergens simultaneously.

Question 9

How is sesame allergy treated?

Accepted Answer

Sesame allergy is primarily treated through strict avoidance of sesame and sesame-containing products. Once diagnosed, you will need to carefully read food labels and ask about ingredients when eating out, as sesame appears in many unexpected foods. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you must carry at all times for emergency treatment of severe reactions or anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can help manage mild symptoms like hives or itching, but they cannot stop anaphylaxis. Working with an allergist to develop a comprehensive emergency action plan, educating family members and caregivers, and wearing medical alert identification are essential components of managing sesame allergy safely.

Question 10

How can I prevent sesame allergy reactions?

Accepted Answer

Prevention requires vigilant avoidance of sesame in all forms, including sesame seeds, sesame oil, tahini, and sesame flour. Always read ingredient labels carefully, as sesame is now required to be clearly labeled on packaged foods in the United States. Be cautious with foods that commonly contain sesame such as bagels, crackers, bread, hummus, baba ganoush, Asian cuisine, Middle Eastern dishes, and many salad dressings and sauces. When dining out, inform restaurant staff about your allergy and ask about ingredients and preparation methods. Avoid bulk bins and shared equipment that may cause cross-contamination, and always carry your epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure.

Question 11

What can I do at home for sesame allergy?

Accepted Answer

At home, create a sesame-free environment by carefully reading all food labels and removing products that contain sesame from your pantry. Educate all household members about your allergy, cross-contamination risks, and how to use your epinephrine auto-injector in an emergency. Keep your epinephrine accessible at all times and check expiration dates regularly. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet and keep a written emergency action plan visible in your home. When cooking, avoid recipes with sesame and be cautious about cross-contact with cutting boards, utensils, and cooking surfaces. While there are no home remedies that cure sesame allergy, maintaining strict avoidance and being prepared for emergencies are your best strategies for staying safe.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Sesame Allergy Blood Test

What is Sesame Allergy?

What causes sesame allergy?

What is the best test for sesame allergy?

When should I get tested for sesame allergy?

References

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