Everyone has some kind of allergy. Allergy is the most prevalent health condition in the world. An allergy is how your immune system reacts to something new and foreign in your body known as the allergens. There are different kinds of allergies such as environmental allergies, seasonal allergies, food allergies, insect allergies, etc. The first time you encounter an allergen, your body responds by creating antibodies. These antibodies identify the allergen as a foreign substance thus triggering reactions and inflammation of the skin, sinuses, airways, or the digestive tract.
Symptoms of allergy
Symptoms get triggered when an individual comes in close contact with the allergens. The symptoms of allergy can vary from mild, to moderate to severe including the following
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Vomiting
- Itchy rash
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
Most common allergens
- Airborne allergies – Pollen, Dust mites, Pet dander, Mold
- Food – Peanuts, Shellfish, Eggs, Dairy
- Insect stings – Bees, Wasps
- Drug Allergy – Penicillin, amoxicillin, ibuprofen
What happens during an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions occur when immune system starts attacking substances that are not entirely harmful, when your body comes in contact with allergens, through the air, stomach, or nose, your immune system starts sending out antibodies, these antibodies signal the cells, and they make histamine which triggers the allergic symptoms. Allergic reactions can go from mild to severe. Mild reactions include running nose, sneezing, redness, swelling, hives, rash, etc. While Severe reactions can cause anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening.
Test for identifying allergies
Patch Test
The patch test identifies allergens by applying patches that contain allergic substances to the skin. The skin is closely monitored for any reactions later and allergic responses are noted.
Skin Prick Test
Skin prick test also referred to as the puncture or scratch test, the skin prick test involves puncturing the skin with a small amount of the allergen. This test assesses immediate allergic reactions to up to 50 different substances simultaneously. Typically used to identify allergies particularly related to pollen, Mold, pet dander, dust mites, and various foods.
Intradermal Test
Intradermal allergy testing involves injecting a small quantity of the suspected allergen just below the skin’s surface. After approximately 20 minutes, the area is examined for reactions, allergic reactions manifest as a small hive with swelling and redness. This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and often yields more consistent results.
Blood Tests
In addition to skin testing, specific IgE tests (such as RAST) also evaluates the immune response. Therefore, these blood tests are crucial for a comprehensive allergy assessment.
Lung Function Test (Spirometry)
Spirometry is a specialized test to diagnose allergies associated with asthma. During this test, individuals are instructed to take a deep breath and exhale forcefully into a device that measures lung function. This process is repeated at least three times to ensure consistent results.
Oral Food Challenge Test
The oral food challenge confirms a food allergy. The patient is administered the specific food in controlled doses and later closely monitored to assess allergic responses accurately.
Nasal Provocation Test
The nasal provocation test involves exposing the nasal passages to allergens to observe allergic reactions which then helps in diagnosing allergic rhinitis and related conditions.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet involves removing suspected allergens from the diet and then gradually reintroducing them to identify and confirm specific food allergies.
Conclusion
Therefore, Understanding and identifying your allergies through these tests are essential for the treatment and management of allergic reactions. Knowing your allergens helps in handling allergic encounters or taking measures to avoid them altogether. For a comprehensive insight into your allergies, Take the complete allergy profile package offered by Aarthi Scans and Labs, book an appointment or visit the nearest Center of Aarthi Scans and Labs.
