Navigating Allergies: Your Complete Guide to Understanding and Testing

Introduction:

Have you ever experienced a breakdown of rashes or bout of sneezes after coming in contact with certain things? If yes, you are probably having an allergic reaction. Allergies often bring about a lot of discomfort and many people go through life unaware of what makes them sneeze or itch. It's like a guessing game, and not knowing the exact culprit can keep you puzzled and uncomfortable by continuing this vicious circle of allergy. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about allergies and allergy testing to uncover the mysteries behind those troublesome sniffles!

Unravelling Allergies: Identifying Common Symptoms

When you have an allergy, your body mistakenly identifies harmless proteins as threats. This triggers an allergic reaction, where your immune system goes into overdrive, producing antibodies against these allergens. Allergies are increasingly prevalent worldwide, and in India too, over 30% of the population is found to be affected. While some allergies are harmless, others can be life-threatening, underscoring the need to recognize common allergic symptoms:

• Hives (raised red patches)
• Rashes
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling, redness or pain in the body
• Tongue swelling
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Chest tightness and difficulty breathing

• Throat closing
• Wheezing (whistling breathing)
• Feeling faint or light-headed

What Are You Allergic To?

To start off, it's important to know that allergies come in different types and can be triggered by various things. A few common allergies to have are:

Food Allergies: Food allergies occur when your body reacts to specific foods, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, nausea, and in some cases, anaphylaxis, which is severe life-threatening reaction. A 2023 study identified eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and tree nuts as the most common food allergens among Indians.

Inhalant Allergies: Inhalant allergies occur when airborne substances or things present in the air, such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mould spores, are inhaled. These allergies can bother you all year round (perennial) or just during certain seasons (seasonal). Perennial allergens include pet hair, dust mites, cockroaches, and moulds, while seasonal allergies are triggered by tree, grass, and weed pollens, with tree pollens in spring and weed pollens in fall.

Drug Allergies: Drug allergies occur when you’re allergic to a medicine, common sources of which could be NSAIDs (painkillers), antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs. However, true allergies to medications are uncommon, affecting only a few people. Many reactions to drugs are not allergic but are just side effects of the medication.

Latex Allergies: A latex allergy happens when your body reacts to natural rubber latex. This type of latex is found in things like gloves, balloons, and condoms. Having a latex allergy can be a serious health concern.

Exploring Different Methods of Allergy Testing:

Knowing what you're allergic to helps you make smart decisions about your surroundings and lifestyle, keeping allergic reactions in check. Thankfully there are different tests to figure out what's causing your allergic reaction. These include:

Skin Tests: These tests are quick and simple, a small number of potential allergens is applied to your skin, and if you're allergic, your skin will react by turning red or developing a small bump. Skin tests come in various types:

Skin Prick Test: A drop of allergen solution is placed on your skin, then a lancet (sharp tool) is used to prick your skin to introduce the allergen.

Intradermal Test: Similar to the skin prick test, the allergen solution is injected into your skin.

Skin Scratch/Scrape Test: A small area of skin is removed, and the allergen is rubbed over it to reach deeper layers.

External Allergen Application: The substance is applied directly onto your forearm without piercing the skin, providing results that may take longer to appear.

Patch Tests: Used for delayed allergic reactions, a patch with suspected allergens is placed on your back for a day, and your skin is checked after 24 hours, and sometimes again after three days. If you have a contact allergy, your skin will swell, turn red, itch, and may form small blisters.

Blood Tests: If your doctor wants to figure out what's causing your allergy and a skin test isn't an option because of skin problems or severe reactions, they might suggest a blood test instead. A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab, where they look for a particular antibody known as IgE which increases if you have an allergic reaction. There are two main types of allergy blood tests:

• Specific IgE test: These check how much IgE your body produces in response to a particular allergen. Each potential allergen is tested separately.

• Total IgE test: This measures the overall amount of IgE antibodies in your blood.

A high total IgE test result suggests the presence of an allergy but doesn't indicate the specific allergen or its severity, while a high specific IgE test result indicates a possible allergy to the tested allergen, without predicting its severity.

Tip: Before getting allergy tests, talk to your doctor about your health and medications. Your doctor will advise the type of test and any precautions needed based on your medical history.

Discover Your Allergy Relief:

Are allergies making you miserable? Worry not because there are plenty of options to help you deal with symptoms. However, it's essential to consult your doctor before starting any allergy medication regimen Your doctor knows your health history and allergies well, so they can suggest the best medicines for you based on that. Let's explore three common ways to find relief from allergy symptoms that fit your lifestyle

• Antihistamines: Combat histamine, easing itching, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing triggered by allergens like pollen.
• Decongestants: Provide rapid relief from nasal congestion by reducing nasal fluid; available in pills, liquids, or nasal sprays.
• Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Recommended for persistent symptoms, these shots build tolerance to allergens over time, ensuring lasting reliefTop of Form

Allergy Prevention Tactics: Home Edition

Creating an allergy-friendly environment is essential for those prone to allergic reactions. Here are some practical tips to keep your home clean and allergen-free, reducing the risk of allergy symptoms and promoting a healthier living space for you and your family:

• Keep home clean to remove dust mites and pet dander, common allergy triggers.
• Immediately fix water leaks to prevent mould growth, a common allergen.
• Use an air purifier to eliminate airborne allergens like pollen and dust mites.
• Close windows and doors during high pollen seasons to reduce allergy risks.
• Use allergen-proof bedding to protect against dust mites while sleeping.
• Conduct regular pest control to prevent worsening of allergies.
• Read food labels carefully for specific food allergies.
• Carry at least two doses of medication when going out for emergencies.

Conclusion

Now that you're equipped with knowledge about allergies and their treatments, you've taken a significant step towards regaining control over your health. With these approaches in mind, you can confidently face allergy triggers and minimize their impact on your daily life. Remember to consult your doctor for advice and to always be prepared with allergy medications wherever you go. Stay informed and savour an allergy-free life!

Laxman is a lifestyle writer and content writer with 4 years of good marketing experience.