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| Allergies Home » Diagnosis of Allergies |
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Diagnosis of Allergies |
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When ordinarily harmless substances react to the body abnormally it is called Allergy. Allergies are caused by the allergens which are sensitizing substances which may be inhaled, swallowed, or may have come into contact with the skin. pollens, mold spores, house dust mites, foods, insect bites or stings, plants, latex rubber, viruses, bacteria, medicines and environmental conditions like cold temperatures are some of the common allergens that cause allergy. Allergic reactions usually occur in the form of skin rashes, or sneezing or may include more than one symptom. The diagnosis of allergies is conducted mainly through a number of skin tests and blood tests called radioallergosorbent test or RAST.
After a thorough medical history the doctors conduct three skin tests which help them in the diagnosis of allergies. The tests are the prick method, the intradermal test and the patch test. The most common type of skin test conducted for the diagnosis of allergies is the Prick Method. A drop of allergen extract is placed on the skin and the extract is inserted in the skin with the help of a needle making a small puncture in the skin. A hive will appear at the site of the puncture within 15 minutes thus proving that the person is allergic to that particular allergen. Multiple prick tests are usually conducted simultaneously by the doctor with a number of different allergen extract to diagnose allergies.
The Intradermal Test is another common test conducted by the doctors for diagnosis of allergies. An allergen extract is injected in to the top layer of the skin in the upper arm which raises a small bubble on the surface of the skin. If a hive appears on the skin then it proves that the individual is allergic to the particular allergen.
A Patch Test is a common test for diagnosis of contact dermatitis. The suspected allergen is tied on the skin for 48 hours with the help of a bandage if the skin becomes red and peels off then the test proves that the individual is allergic to the allergen.
RAST blood test is conducted for determining skin allergies in case of people with eczema and other skin conditions. Diagnosis of allergies in this case is done by taking a sample of the blood and the test detects the levels of the IdE antibody to a particular allergen.
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Children are sometimes allergic to many allergens. It is advised that the doctor should rule out the causes of allergies. The first and foremost thing you should do is to note every tome your child is having any adverse reaction in a diary. After a couple of weeks show it to the doctor. This will help the doctor to diagnose the cause of the allergies easily.
Most of the people in the world suffer from food allergies. Getting an accurate diagnosis of allergies from food is important. The common allergy tests and in-depth analysis of the test will help you lead a normal life. Diets in which the allergens are present should be eliminated. Even while conducting the RAST test, prick test, diets are eliminated to confirm the possible food intolerances. |
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