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Allergy

Do you often experience sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes or digestive issues like diarrhoea? These could be signs of an allergy. Allergies are one of the most widespread chronic conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 4 people. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, potentially life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Unfortunately, many people endure these symptoms without seeking help, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Simple tests can identify if you’re allergic to specific substances, enabling effective management of your condition.

Our immune system plays a vital role in defending the body against harmful organisms. However, sometimes our immune system misidentifies harmless substances, such as certain foods, pollens, dust, or medications and triggers an allergic reaction. During this process, the body produces antibodies, leading to various symptoms. These symptoms can differ depending on the allergen involved, and your age. For instance, infants and toddlers are more likely to develop allergic reactions to foods like milk and eggs, while older children and adults might develop allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen or dust.

BODY PARTSYMPTOMSCOMMON TRIGGERS OR ALLERGENS
NOSESneezing, Itchy, Runny, Stuffy Mouth breathingPollen, house dust mites, cockroaches, pets and other animals
EYESItchiness, redness, watery or swollen eyesPollen, house dust mites, cockroaches, pets and other animals
MOUTHTingling and itching in the throat, mouth, and/or lips, swellingFruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes
SKINEczema (dry, itchy), rashes, hives, swellingNuts, shellfish, eggs, milk
LUNGSCoughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthmaPollen, house dust mites, cockroaches, pets and other animals, food
GASTROINTESTINALDiarrhoea, pain, nausea, vomiting, weight lossInfants and toddlers: Eggs, milk, wheat, soya bean
Children and adults: Eggs, milk, shellfish, wheat, peanuts, hazelnuts and other tree nuts, fruits and vegetables
VARIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONSEARLY: Hives, tingling and itching around the mouth, swelling around mouth and eyes
SEVERE: Itching, tingling and swelling of the mouth and throat, abnormally low blood pressure, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, asthma		Peanuts, tree nuts, fish, soybean, seafood, milk, eggs, seeds, fruits, drugs, bee and wasp venoms

Diagnosing allergies involves reviewing your family and medical history, conducting a physical examination, and performing tests to confirm the presence of an allergy. Blood tests are among the most common and effective methods used for diagnosis.

Blood Test

A small blood sample is taken to measure the level of allergen-specific antibodies. Elevated antibodies corresponding to specific allergens or allergen components may indicate an allergy.

The right allergy test depends on your specific symptoms, medical history, and individual needs. Blood testing is often recommended for individuals who cannot discontinue medications, have sensitive skin, or are at risk of severe allergic reactions during testing. Blood tests provide a comprehensive overview of your allergic profile, offering precise results that help identify triggers effectively. Blood testing is a convenient and less invasive method for diagnosing allergies, offering several advantages:

  • Accuracy for certain foods: Blood tests for certain food allergies are more reliable than skin tests.
  • Medication-safe: Results are unaffected by medications you may be taking.
  • No risk of anaphylaxis: Blood testing eliminates the risk of triggering a severe anaphylactic reaction.
  • Skin condition independent: The test does not rely on the condition of your skin, making it suitable for various situations.
  • Infant-friendly: It is safe for infants as young as six weeks old.
  • Comprehensive and efficient: A single blood sample can be used to test for multiple allergens and allergen components. It can be easily ordered by your physician at allergy clinic

Treatments for allergies focus on managing symptoms and reducing exposure to allergens. Depending on the type and severity of your allergy, options include avoiding triggers, taking medications, or undergoing therapies like allergy shots to build long-term tolerance. Your doctor will help determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition. The common methods for the management of allergies are listed below:

Avoidance

For some allergies, particularly food-related ones, avoiding the allergen may be the only necessary treatment. This can prevent symptoms and eliminate the need for medications or additional interventions.

Medications

When avoiding allergens isn’t sufficient, medications can help manage allergy symptoms effectively. Fast-acting medicines such as epinephrine injections are also available to counter severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.

Allergy shots

Immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots, helps increase your tolerance to allergens over time. These are often recommended for severe allergies or persistent symptoms lasting more than three months annually. While allergy shots do not cure allergies, they significantly reduce your immune system’s sensitivity to allergens.

If you or your child experience symptoms of an allergy, consult a doctor about undergoing a blood test. If an allergy is confirmed through testing, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an allergist, for further evaluation and long-term management.

Allergies can evolve over time. For instance, infants may outgrow allergies to milk and eggs as they age, while other allergies might become more severe. Periodic testing is essential to accurately monitor and manage your allergy, ensuring better health and quality of life.

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