Allergy Test

Allergy Test

Allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to an antigen, a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially a particular food, pollen, fur, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.

What are the symptoms of allergy?

Nasal symptoms, running nose, blocked nose, sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, wheezing, cough. Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, hypotension. Anaphylactic reaction rashes, itching, urticaria. Allergies sometimes can be life-threatening.

Allergies are common in children. People with asthma and skin diseases have more chances of having allergic reactions. People with allergic reactions have more chances of developing asthma.

What are the common substances causing allergy?

Substances causing allergies are known as allergens. There are four common allergens: Pollen, dust, fungi, and animals.

Testing For Allergy

Allergy Blood test: Blood tests measure the amount of IgE antibody circulating in the blood. In general, these tests are not specific to a particular allergen and are therefore not easy to interpret; both false positive and false negative results are possible, and the presence of IgE in a test does not necessarily mean that the substance is actually causing the patient’s symptoms.

Allergy skin prick test: Carried out by the pulmonologist or an allergy specialist in Borivali. Skin Prick Test is a simple, safe, and quick test, providing results within 15-20 minutes. The skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of allergen into the skin, eliciting a small, localized allergic response, in the form of a wheel (bump) and flare (redness) at the site of testing.

Allergy skin prick test

Which patients are suitable candidates for Skin prick allergy testing?

Patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies and rashes, itching, urticaria, and stomach upset. Children up to 5 years of age depending on how cooperative they are.

Here are some tips to manage allergies at home:

• Encase bedding in allergy-proof covers: Mattress, box spring, and pillows.
• Avoid certain materials: Feather pillows, down comforters, and wool blankets.
• Regularly wash bedding.
• Use hot water for washing.
• Reduce dust collectors: Remove stuffed animals, wall hangings, knickknacks, and books from the bedroom.
• Opt for minimal carpeting.
• Wear a filter mask while cleaning.
• Manage pet allergens: Minimize exposure by using shades instead of blinds and maintaining cleanliness.
• Prevent mold growth.