Without allergy testing, people tend to find out about their allergies the hard way. Itchy, watery eyes and congestion are just a couple of possible symptoms. Some people eat peanuts and breakout into hives. With an allergy test, though, people can learn what causes their reactions in a controlled situation by looking at their diet, skin and blood. A radioallergosorbent (RAST) or blood test has to be conducted by a lab, but a skin examination and diet monitoring can be done at home. Either form of examination is recommended for people with asthma or rhinitis. Easily controlled reactions don't require testing. For instance, whenever Pam eats her favorite dish at the local Italian restaurant, she experiences a mild, itchiness on her arms which goes away in a few hours. Something in the dish causes her to have this reaction; however, since her symptoms are so mild and bearable, there is really no medical need for her to seek out the exact cause in the meal. In the case of Paul, who is dangerously allergic to penicillin, it would be medically necessary to determine this before Paul is treated with the drug.
Taking a skin allergy test is the least expensive and simplest way to determine what a person's body reacts to. However, the person must have an idea of what is causing a reaction is in order to do the test. With the suspected allergen in mind, patients can choose between the scratch or patch tests. The scratch examination involves putting the suspected symptom-causing substance on one's forearm or back and then scratching or pricking the skin's surface on that spot with a clean needle. If the result is positive, swelling or redness will appear within 20 minutes of contact. The other skin option is intradermal which just means that the substance is injected into the skin rather than just being exposed to the open surface. Those doing these examinations, though, should use extreme caution as reactions can be more intense following an intradermal trial. A patch examination is similar, but takes longer. The person is supposed to wear a patch containing the substance for about two days. Then the skin is examined for redness and swelling. Skin allergy testing is most useful for those with reactions to penicillin, insect bites, certain foods and inhaled substances (respiratory).
There is also the option of having blood allergy testing. These come in forms besides just a RAST, including Fluoro-allergosorbent (FAST), Multiple antigen simultaneous (MAST), and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A blood allergy test involves having blood drawn from the arm by a health professional. The blood is then sent to a lab where the sample is placed on a special paper and examined. Lab professionals will then determine if the person's blood contains antibodies for the suspected allergens. Blood work is examined for an elevated blood count or an elevation in white blood cells. Although these allergy tests are more expensive than those of the skin, blood work is most effective for reactions caused by drugs and non-food allergens. In addition, this determiner keeps the tester from being forced to encounter a possible allergen and suffer with the symptoms.
Another helpful form of allergy testing is by the process of elimination. This is best for people with suspected reactions to particular foods. This allergy test is simple because it just requires eliminating suspected foods from one's diet to see if reactions come to a stop. This can take weeks of work, though, as one tries to alter their diet and monitor reactions. A person trying food elimination should keep a log of their food intake and record symptoms or a lack there of. Patients should report their results to a doctor, especially if the results seem to narrow down the culprit. A doctor can then arrange to determine without a doubt what their body is reacting to and possibly prescribe a medication. If there is no medication, the doctor may just advise the patient to avoid the food or keep intake at a bare minimum. Overall, with wisdom and strength, people are able to fight off symptoms everyday. "The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness" (Psalm 41:3).
No matter what your body reacts to, it is important to try and find out what the cause is. Even if your symptoms are mild, in the future, reactions could become more severe. People should take an allergy test to keep exposure to their allergens minimal or get medication for their reactions. Those with questions about their symptoms should always consult their physician. The patient should also notify their physician if they are doing allergy testing on their own. The doctor may recommend blood work or have other suggestions. Above all, always seek professional counsel when it comes to your body and your health.
Taking a skin allergy test is the least expensive and simplest way to determine what a person's body reacts to. However, the person must have an idea of what is causing a reaction is in order to do the test. With the suspected allergen in mind, patients can choose between the scratch or patch tests. The scratch examination involves putting the suspected symptom-causing substance on one's forearm or back and then scratching or pricking the skin's surface on that spot with a clean needle. If the result is positive, swelling or redness will appear within 20 minutes of contact. The other skin option is intradermal which just means that the substance is injected into the skin rather than just being exposed to the open surface. Those doing these examinations, though, should use extreme caution as reactions can be more intense following an intradermal trial. A patch examination is similar, but takes longer. The person is supposed to wear a patch containing the substance for about two days. Then the skin is examined for redness and swelling. Skin allergy testing is most useful for those with reactions to penicillin, insect bites, certain foods and inhaled substances (respiratory).
There is also the option of having blood allergy testing. These come in forms besides just a RAST, including Fluoro-allergosorbent (FAST), Multiple antigen simultaneous (MAST), and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A blood allergy test involves having blood drawn from the arm by a health professional. The blood is then sent to a lab where the sample is placed on a special paper and examined. Lab professionals will then determine if the person's blood contains antibodies for the suspected allergens. Blood work is examined for an elevated blood count or an elevation in white blood cells. Although these allergy tests are more expensive than those of the skin, blood work is most effective for reactions caused by drugs and non-food allergens. In addition, this determiner keeps the tester from being forced to encounter a possible allergen and suffer with the symptoms.
Another helpful form of allergy testing is by the process of elimination. This is best for people with suspected reactions to particular foods. This allergy test is simple because it just requires eliminating suspected foods from one's diet to see if reactions come to a stop. This can take weeks of work, though, as one tries to alter their diet and monitor reactions. A person trying food elimination should keep a log of their food intake and record symptoms or a lack there of. Patients should report their results to a doctor, especially if the results seem to narrow down the culprit. A doctor can then arrange to determine without a doubt what their body is reacting to and possibly prescribe a medication. If there is no medication, the doctor may just advise the patient to avoid the food or keep intake at a bare minimum. Overall, with wisdom and strength, people are able to fight off symptoms everyday. "The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness" (Psalm 41:3).
No matter what your body reacts to, it is important to try and find out what the cause is. Even if your symptoms are mild, in the future, reactions could become more severe. People should take an allergy test to keep exposure to their allergens minimal or get medication for their reactions. Those with questions about their symptoms should always consult their physician. The patient should also notify their physician if they are doing allergy testing on their own. The doctor may recommend blood work or have other suggestions. Above all, always seek professional counsel when it comes to your body and your health.
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