About Intolerance
Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by food intolerance rather than foodallergy.
Food intolerance may present symptoms similar to those of a food allergy.
Allergies, such as reactions to specific proteins in grains or milk, involve the immune system and can be serious or life-threatening. Symptoms and production of IgE antibodies usually appear within minutes of eating a particular food and may include vomiting, facial swelling, rashes, or asthma-like symptoms.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, tend to mainly affect the digestive system, causing less serious symptoms such as flatulence or abdominal pain, which, along with the production of specific IgG antibodies, appear later, usually 24-72 hours after eating the food, making it difficult to detect the cause (specific food) without specific laboratory testing.
Food intolerance causes inflammatory processes in the digestive system that lead to changes in the intestinal mucosa and microflora, resulting in improper food digestion and absorption. It is usually linked to serious diseases like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis , rheumatoid arthritis etc.
The three most common food intolerances are lactose (milk sugar), casein (milk protein), and gluten (protein in grains).
- As lactose intolerance is defined the body's inability to metabolize lactose, the main sugar in milk, due to reduced production and/or lack of the enzyme lactase.
- As casein intolerance is defined the body's inability to metabolize casein, the main protein in milk.
- The gluten intolerance, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, can lead to the development of celiac disease.
Numerous studies have observed an increased number (in addition to total IgG) of IgG4 antibodies in food intolerance. Measuring antibodies helps to identify foods that cause intolerance. The subsequent implementation of appropriate dietary restrictions based on IgG4 levels contributes to the reduction and/or elimination of symptoms.
- Gluten Testing (Gluten Intolerance Test) 30€
- Casein Testing (Casein Intolerance Test) 30€
- Lactose Testing (Lactose Intolerance Test) 30€
Furthermore, regarding lactose intolerance and lactase activity, in IATROCOSMOS, we also perform molecular detection with the reverse hybridization PCR method for detection of polymorphisms C/T 13910 and G/A 22018 of MCM6 gene that are related to lactase activity in adults in a blood sample.
- LCT - Lactose Intolerance Molecular Detection 160€
Online Appointment Schedule
Frequent Asked Questions
Access to IATROKOSMOS is easy as it is located in a central location in Athens.
Specifically, we are located in one of the most central points in the AMBELOKIPI - Gyzi area:
- 20 metres from IKA ALEXANDRAS
- opposite the PANATHINAIKOS Stadium "Apostolos Nikolaidis"
- 100m from "Agios Savvas" Anticancer Hospital
- 650metres from METRO STATION AMPELOKIPOI
- 50metres from ATHENS COURTS
For blood and urinary lab tests, no appointment is necessary.
For any other testing, you should get an appointment for your best service.
We remind you that some testing like aspirations, endoscopies, ultrasounds etc special preparation is required.
Our front desk will provide you all necessary guidelines after your telephone or digital contact.
Your test results are provided daily, based on front desk guidelines. However, there are tests that results may be obtained on a later date based on their subject.
You may also get your results digitally through email.
For specific tests that are performed at regular intervals and require comparison of results, e.g. bone mass measurement, it is recommended that you provide your previous tests.
If you have a Hellenic public national insurance, you may use it.
Our medical center is contracted with EOPYY, EDOEAP and EYDAP.
If you have got a private insurance agency from abroad, you may pay your tests and get our receipt to be compensated from your agency, according to your contract terms.
If you have a Hellenic public national insurance, you may use it.
Our diagnostic center offers preferential check up packages as well as special prices for people without adequate national insurance coverage.
In order to take your exams and receive your results, payment is required.
Tests payment may be performed:
- on cash
- by card (credit card apart from American Express or debit card)
- through IRIS payment system
In case of using a discount through the use of specific contracted cards such as EY CLUB, etc., it is necessary to present them along with patient's/contractor's ID.
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