Discovering Your Allergies: How to Get Tested and Find Relief
Allergies usually develop when your immune system responds to a food or substance that typically doesn't trigger a reaction in most people, such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander. Antibodies are chemicals produced by your immune system. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces antibodies that classify a specific allergen as harmful, even when it is not. Upon contacting the allergen, your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive tract may become inflamed as a result of your immune system reacting to it. Where can I get allergy testing near me in Llanedeyrn? Keep reading to find out.
Individual differences in allergy severity mean that it can range from minor discomfort to a possibly life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis. Although most allergies cannot be cured, there are treatments that can help you feel better.
What are the most common allergies?
There are many different types of allergies, but some of the most common ones include:
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
This is a reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching in the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth.
Food allergies
A food allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in food, such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, or soy. Symptoms may include hives, itching or swelling of the mouth, throat, or face, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing.
Insect sting allergies
This is a reaction to the venom from an insect sting, such as a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket. Symptoms may include swelling, itching, or redness at the site of the sting, hives, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Drug allergies
A drug allergy is a reaction to certain medications, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, or chemotherapy drugs. Symptoms may include hives, rash, itching, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Latex allergies
This is a reaction to the proteins in the latex, which is a type of rubber found in gloves, condoms, and medical equipment. Symptoms may include itching, redness, or rash, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Allergic reactions can vary widely in severity, and some people may experience more severe or life-threatening reactions than others. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have an allergy, it's important to seek medical attention right away.
How do I know if I'm allergic to something?
An allergic reaction can cause symptoms such as:
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Tenderness or pain around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Wheezing, coughing or breathlessness
- A raised rash (hives) or itchy skin
- Swollen lips, eyes, mouth or throat
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling or being sick
How do I know if I have hay fever?
Hay fever is a common allergy. Approximately 1 in 5 people experience it at some time in their lives. Symptoms of hay fever are usually caused by an allergic response to pollen.
Plants release pollen, a fine powder-like substance, as part of their reproduction process. It's made of proteins that can result in swelling, irritation, and inflammation of the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses.
The following are the common symptoms of hay fever:
- Frequent sneezing
- Blocked or runny nose
- Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red or watery eyes)
- An itchy nose, throat, mouth and ears
- Cough, that’s caused by postnasal drip
Less common symptoms include:
- Anosmia (loss of the sense of smell)
- Facial pain (as a result of blocked sinuses)
- Earache
- Headaches
- Fatigue and tiredness
If you are asthmatic, hay fever may make your asthma symptoms worse.
What are the types of allergy testing near me in Llanedeyrn?
There are several ways to test for allergies, depending on the suspected allergen and the type of reaction being investigated. Here are some of the most common methods:
Skin prick test
This test involves placing a small amount of an allergen extract on your skin and then pricking or scratching the skin to allow the extract to enter your body. The test measures the size of the resulting bump or wheal on your skin, which can indicate an allergic reaction.
Blood test
A blood test measures the amount of allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in your blood. A high level of IgE antibodies can indicate an allergy.
Patch test
A patch test is used to identify skin allergies, such as those caused by cosmetics or metals. Small patches containing different allergens are placed on your skin, and the skin is then observed for any reactions.
Elimination diet
An elimination diet involves removing suspected allergens from your diet and then gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms recur.
Challenge test
The challenge test involves intentionally exposing yourself to a suspected allergen under controlled conditions to determine if a reaction occurs.
Where can I get allergy testing near me in Llanedeyrn?
Please see our blood test page for more information, Blood Tests
This blog post was written on behalf of Hopwoods Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.