Allergies
Allergies are caused by reactions of the immune system to allergens (substances) that would often cause a reaction. Allergies are also caused by environmental factors alongside genetic predisposition. If a single parent is allergic, allergy risk in a child increases to 40%. If the two parents are allergic, the chances of the offspring developing allergies range between 50 and 70%.
Allergies are characterized by several symptoms, including:
- Ears-fullness, itching, popping, pressure
- Throat-hoarseness, itching, throat clearing, drainage
- Eyes-irritated, itchy, watery, redness
- Nose-post-nasal drip, congestion, runny nose, sneezing
Causes Include:
- Animal dander
- Dust mites
- Weed pollen
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
Testing
Testing of allergies involves having blood or skin tested to determine the allergen or what substance might cause an allergic response in a person. Skin tests are often conducted as they are reliable, rapid, and less expensive as opposed to blood tests; however, either type of testing might be utilized.
Skin prick test. This kind of test is undertaken by putting concoction drops that contain potential allergens on the skin, alongside a sequence of needle pricks or scratches enables the concoction to penetrate the skin. In the event a wheal (a red, swollen itchy site) develops on the skin; it often implies that an individual is allergic towards the allergen. This is considered a positive response.
Blood tests play an important as they feature one needle prick. Medicine does not affect the outcomes. Nevertheless, results do not come out promptly, and based on the nature of tests, false positives could occur. There are several kinds of blood tests for allergy. Some are more reliable compared to others.
Allergy skin tests can be considered less painful. This form of tests utilizes lancets (needles), which hardly go beyond the surface of the skin. A patient would not bleed or experience momentary and mild discomfort.
Allergy testing is undertaken to identify potential allergy symptoms such as:
- Chronic cough and asthma
- Pets allergy
- Drug allergy
- Food allergy
- Runny nose, hives, sneezing, rash, and itchy eyes
Medications can interfere with the outcomes
Before planning the skin test, it is imperative to present over the counter (OTC) medications and the list containing all prescriptions to the doctor. Some medications could impede allergic reactions, thus causing the skin tests to give inaccurate outcomes. Other medications might escalate the risk of one developing a serious allergic response in a test.
Owing to different rates of medication clearance from the body system, the physician might advise that one stops taking some medications for 10 days. Medications, which could interrupt skin tests, are:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines such as cetirizine (reaction), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and loratadine (Claritin)
- Prescription antihistimines such as desloratadine and levocetirizine
Treatment
The goal of the allergist is to assist patients overcome the symptoms by controlling the allergies to enable them lead normal, healthy lives.
- Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) refers to a situation where tiny quantities of what an individual is allergic to are administered below the skin.
- Sublingual tablets exist for few allergens to decrease allergic sensitivity towards the allergen
- Nasal sprays: they exist in different forms and can be utilised for reducing post-nasal drips, dripping, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Additionally, there are other kinds of anti-allergy medications, which could be recommended to help decrease symptoms of allergy.
- Antihistamines: medications in this category could decrease congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
- Allergen avoidance: The allergist would offer guidelines regarding how exposure to triggers of allergy could be reduced.