Tea Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order a tea allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to tea. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. 

Tea is one of the most commonly consumed drinks in the world. Tea allergies are uncommon but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. 

Since almost all types of tea are made from various varieties of the same plant, most individuals who are allergic to tea would have trouble with most, if not all, varieties of tea. Many items are commonly added to the tea, such as milk, honey, dairy substitutes, spices, herbs, lemon, or other flavorings, so it is important to determine if the allergy is to the tea or the additive.

An allergy to tea triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a tea allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Tingling in mouth
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Irritation and tearing of the eye
• Breathing difficulty
• In rare cases, anaphylaxis