How does an Allergy Test Work?
What is an allergy?
Allergies are the immune system’s reaction to allergens, which are specific triggers. Seasonal allergies, such as pollen and some moulds; perennial allergies, which are usually caused by dust mites and cat or dog hair; and food allergies, to name a few. Food allergies are most commonly caused by wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish, although any food might be an allergen.
When to have an allergy test?
Allergic rhinitis might develop if you’re allergic to airborne allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander. This allergic reaction, often known as hay fever, causes:
· Headache
· Eyes that are itchy and runny.
· Nasal congestion
· Shortness of breath
· Wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Sore throat
Food allergy symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes of eating the food, but they can last up to two hours. Food allergy sufferers may experience the following symptoms:
· Hives, swelling of the cheeks, lips, or tongue, and broad itching are all skin complaints.
· Coughing, wheezing, loss of breath, chest or throat tightness are common respiratory symptoms.
· Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea are common GI symptoms.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include
· Pale skin
· Weak pulse
· Dizziness
· Lightheadedness
Contact dermatitis can occur in people who are allergic to latex, perfumes, or metals such as nickel. Your skin is affected by an allergic reaction. You could have:
· Blisters or a burning feeling on the skin.
· Swelling and hives.
· Itchy skin or a rash on the skin.
These reactions are diagnosed with a patch test administered by a dermatologist.
What is the procedure for allergy testing?
The blood test is more handy than the urine test, despite the fact that both are easy and accurate.
A blood test can be done at any time of day at your primary care doctor’s office, does not require an empty stomach, and does not require you to stop taking your allergy medications.
The disadvantage is that it takes longer to process the test findings. They’ll be sent to you within a week.
A skin test must be performed in an allergist’s office, and antihistamines must be avoided for five to seven days prior to the test—but results will be available in approximately 20 minutes.
On your back, an allergist will rub pieces of plastic dipped in various allergens—foods, pet dander, or pollen from various trees, grasses, and weeds.
False negative and false positive results
There are two scenarios that can result in a false negative or false positive in an allergy test, and it is the role of an allergist to evaluate the results. About one-fourth of persons who experience seasonal allergy symptoms do not have allergies; instead, they have irritant rhinitis, also known as nonallergic rhinitis, which has many of the same symptoms as allergies but does not involve the immune system. Cigarette smoke, harsh odors, dust, and air pollution are all triggers. Although an allergy test may come out negative, this does not rule out the possibility of symptoms.
What can you do if you have allergies?
How can you manage your allergies once you’ve received your test results and know what’s causing your allergic reactions? Simply avoid the allergen and have an EpiPen (epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector) on hand in case you come into touch with it.
The first step in treating seasonal allergies is to keep track of pollen counts so you know when to expect symptoms. When there is a moderate to high pollen count;
Close your windows to prevent pollen from entering your home.
Shower at night to prevent pollen from transferring from your hair to your pillow as you sleep.
Instead of exercising outside, you should do so inside.