Allergies and Testing

History

Allergies, by their very nature have probably been around since the dawn of time. Animals suffer allergies as we do, so this is not a strictly ‘human’ condition, although it seems humankind has its fair share of allergies these days.

It might be interesting to understand a basic concept of what an allergy is, although most people nowadays are aware of the systems at play. Basically an allergy is ones own immune system, and associated parts thereof, responding to a substance as if it were alien to our body, an invader or an attack is thus defended and in the process certain symptoms arise.

Substances that cause these reactions are named ‘allergens’, although they are not strictly allergens to everyone they do tend to create allergic responses more than other substances. When these allergens enter the system of an ‘allergic’ person they immediately release antibodies against these ‘invaders’. This also fires off ‘mediators’ within our system called histamine and leukotrienes. There actions lead to the symptoms noticed in an allergy, such as swelling, redness, itches, running nose due to extra mucous production and also a shortness of breathe due to swelling in the lungs restricting their ability to intake enough air.

It is believed that the ‘tendency to be allergic’ is inherited through our genes, although specific allergies are not inherited directly. People’s response to an allergen is often not the same from person to person, and can vary widely. Allergies may start and stop spontaneously, and for no apparent reason, or so it seems. Maybe with further research some underlying mechanism will be discovered, but for now those that suffer with allergies have to follow specific regimes and take certain medications.

The Theory Behind

Allergic reactions come in different forms, and from different allergens. Therefore it is very important to identify the cause of the symptom. Allergens enter via a variety of routes. In the main allergies are caused by the intake of an allergenic substance orally, via foodstuffs and medications, nasally via the inhalation of some substance particles in the air breathed. They may also be absorbed through the skin when substances are applied to the body, and in some other cases allergies come from psychological traumas and other life ‘issues’.

Allergies and other issues may have a similar set of symptoms, therefore it is important to see one’s Doctor if symptoms arise, as the cause may not always be an allergic reaction. Those symptoms common to many allergies are listed here:-

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Itching
• Eczema
• Skin rashes
• Darkness under and around the eyes
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Wheeze
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pains occasionally nausea

There of course many be other individual symptoms dependant on the person involved, hence the advice to see a doctor before deciding you have an allergy.

If an allergy is suspected then it is vital to identify the allergen causing the symptoms. This is where ALLERGY TESTING is used.

What Happens if I am Treated?

Without a clear idea of the allergens/s involved in an allergy it becomes very difficult to formulate an effective response. Once the allergen is identified it may be possible to take steps to remove it from one’s diet, avoid contaminated atmospheres or avoid certain chemicals in preparations applied to the skin. So testing is the most important step in any treatment, and as such a person should seek the very best testing available, and as quickly as possible. Visit your doctor first, he/she will be best able to determine if your symptoms are due to an allergy, and if he/she cannot treat you and needs a test, where to go to obtain one.

Types of Tests:-

• Skin prick test is a simple test where the suspected substances are placed on the skin and then that area pricked with a small needle. After a period of time the bodies reaction to each area is noted. Small red areas appear and are measured to gauge your individual reaction to that substance.

• Intradermal Skin Testing is used where the skin prick test fails to show any strong reaction yet an allergy is strongly suspected to be the cause of your symptoms. This involves injecting a small amount of the test substance under your skin, normally the inner forearm. Again, your reaction to each substance is gauged by the degree of redness and swelling.

• Another method is via a blood test, which simply means a sample of your blood is taken and tested using the RAST test. This only normally done where a person has a severe reaction to the skin test, which is very rare.

• Patch skin test involves placing the test substance on the skin, normally the back, and covering with a waterproof patch. After a few days the patch is removed and the skin examined for a reaction. A more ‘gentle’ test, but one needing more time to perform.

• Food Challenge. If a particular foodstuff is suspected this test may prove best. It is carried out in a medical environment in case medical care is needed. Often the foods are disguised so that neither the patient nor the operator knows which food is being tested, this eliminates any psychological issues attached to the response.

Treatment is available when it is impossible for the patient to avoid the allergen, sush as pollen as a good example. When such instances arise your doctor may prescribe a treatment for your allergy. Treatment includes medications, such as Steroids, to reduce swellings caused by the allergic reaction. Antihistamines, to counteract the histamine released by the bodies response to the allergen. And Decongestant preparations to alleviate the symptoms. A WARNING here:- people with hypertension or heart conditions should not use decongestants, seek your doctors advice.

Immunotherapy is a treatment your doctor may suggest and it has proved effective for those people who have severe reactions to wasp and bee stings. However, for most other severe reactions Immunological treatment has proved less successful.

PLEASE NOTE.

Anaphylactic shock

Whilst most allergies are nothing more than a somewhat mild reaction to an allergen there can be reactions so sever that the person could die, even in a matter of a few minutes, after coming into contact with the allergen. Admittedly these are very rare cases, and those people who know they have this problem carry an adrenaline shot with them whenever there is even the smallest likelihood of them coming into contact with the allergen in question.

Those with children need to warn and inform those people involved in the child’s care, family, teachers, babysitters etc. of the problem and ensure that these people know how to administer the adrenaline shot, (an automated shot dose from a simple pen-like device carried by the patient), in case the patient cannot, or is uncomfortable, using the device themselves.

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