
Allergies are a common chronic condition that affects the immune system of the body. Allergies occur when a person reacts with a substance that is harmless to most people. The function of an immune system is to fight against bacteria, virus, fungus, etc. When our body reacts with non-toxic substances like animal dander, pollen, our immune system treat it like a harmful threat. These allergies triggering substances are called allergens. There are other types of allergens such as food, certain medicines, spider webs, dust, etc. To fight against these allergens, the immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the antibodies provoke the body cells to stimulate certain chemicals. These chemicals are the reasons for allergic symptoms. The most common allergic symptoms are sniffle, sneeze, itching in the nose, teary eyes, wheezing, etc. Read the given blog which explains the allergies & the allergy blood tests.
What Happens When An Allergen Enters The Body?
When a person who is allergic to a specific thing comes in contact with it, there occur these processes.
- When an allergen (eg: animal dander) enters the person’s body, the immune system produces antibodies.
- The antibody is present in the mast cell, the cell filled with specific chemicals that are released during an allergic reaction.
- When the allergen comes in contact with the antibody, the mast cell secretes histamine.
- The release of histamine results in allergic symptoms.
Body Areas Where Allergies Affected?
Depends on the types of allergens enters into the body, the allergic symptoms vary. Allergies can affect different parts of the body.
- Nose, eyes, throat
When we breathe in an allergen, the antibody produces histamine which causes the production of more mucus. It results in the nose to run, itchy, swollen and sneezing may occur. Also, the eyes may start to water and the throat become painful.
- Lungs, chest
When an allergen is breathed in, the passage of chest & lungs become swollen and results in breathing problem. That symptom is called Asthma and it is one of the most common & threatful allergic symptoms.
- Stomach
Certain foods may be an allergen for some people. Food items like seafood, dairy products, certain pickle, etc can cause allergies in the human body. It results in asthma, colic, upset stomach, etc. In infants, certain milk products & lactose may result in allergic reactions.
- Skin
Allergy can affect body skin. It triggers symptoms like skin rashes, itchy, painful, red skin, etc.
Allergy Blood Test
Allergy blood test helps to check the amount of IgE antibodies in the body. A large level of IgE antibodies may result in allergic reactions. Allergy blood tests can find out if a person has an allergy. Mainly there are two types of allergy blood tests.
- Total IgE test — Check the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood
- Specific IgE test — Measures the amount of IgE antibodies in response to certain allergens.
Immunoassay tests also available and it includes,
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA or EIA)
- The radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
These tests are used to measure the number of antibodies present in the blood.
When Do We Need To Take An Allergy Test?
When you have allergic symptoms your doctor will suggest you take an allergy blood test.
Most common symptoms are,
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Red patches
- Breathing problem
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Allergy Blood Test Process
The lab technician takes a small amount of blood sample from the arm using a needle. You don’t need to take any special preparations for the blood test.
If your blood test shows you have a higher IgE level than normal, it means that you have an allergy. But the Total IgE blood test cannot show what you are allergic to. A Specific IgE test can identify the accurate reason for allergy. After finding this result, you can consult a doctor and take the recommended medications. Anaphylactic shock is a serious case of an allergic reaction that can lead to death. If we do not treat it well & not avoid allergy substances, it may severe health problems that will cause death.
DDRC SRL diagnostic services, one of the best diagnostic laboratories in kerala provides allergy blood testing facilities. The cost varies according to the type of the tests and it is affordable for the customers. Food allergy testing services are also provided. They offers online lab test boooking and blood test at home facilities.
