Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Cure

Many of us may find ourselves experiencing symptoms that suggest an allergy. Allergies occur when our immune system reacts to a foreign substance.

 But how can you tell if what you're experiencing is indeed an allergy? Know about how to identify an Allergy symptom, its causes, prevention & cure.

Identifying the Symptoms

Allergies can manifest in various ways, depending on what part of the body is affected.

Skin:

1. Hives (urticaria)

2. Itching (pruritus)

3. Rashes (eczema, atopic dermatitis)

4. Redness (erythema)

5. Swelling (angioedema)

Respiratory System:

1. Nose: congestion, runny nose, sneezing

2. Sinuses: sinusitis, pressure, pain

3. Eyes: itchy, watery, red, swollen

4. Throat: itching, swelling, coughing

5. Lungs: asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath

Gastrointestinal System:

1. Mouth: oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

2. Stomach: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

3. Intestines: abdominal pain, bloating, gas

4. Gut: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Cardiovascular System:

1. Heart: rapid heartbeat, palpitations

2. Blood vessels: vasodilation, hypotension

Other Areas:

1. Ears: itching, fluid buildup

2. Brain: headaches, fatigue, mood changes

3. Joints: pain, swelling, stiffness

Specific Allergy Reactions:

1. Anaphylaxis: severe, life-threatening reaction

2. Atopic dermatitis: skin inflammation

3. Contact dermatitis: skin reaction to substances

4. Food allergy: immune reaction to food proteins

5. Insect sting allergy: reaction to venom

Home Sample Collection Process

1. Book your convenient slot

2. Sample Collection by Phlebotomist @Home

3. Reporting of the sample at lab

4. Download Reports Online

5. Note: Home Sample Collection is only for Pathology lab tests.

Understanding Different Types of Allergies

Different types of allergies may present different symptoms.

I. Environmental Allergies

1. Dust mite allergy

2. Pollen allergy (hay fever)

3. Mold allergy

4. Pet allergy (dander)

5. Insect sting allergy (bee, wasp, hornet)

II. Food Allergies

1. Peanut allergy

2. Tree nut allergy

3. Milk allergy

4. Egg allergy

5. Wheat allergy (celiac disease)

6. Soy allergy

7. Fish and shellfish allergy

8. Sesame allergy

III. Skin Allergies

1. Contact dermatitis (latex, nickel, poison ivy)

2. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

IV. Inhalant Allergies

1. Asthma

2. Rhinitis (allergic rhinitis)

3. Sinusitis

V. Drug Allergies

1. Antibiotic allergy (penicillin, sulfa)

2. Anesthetic allergy

3. Insulin allergy

VI. Insect Bite Allergies

1. Mosquito bite allergy

2. Bed bug bite allergy

3. Flea bite allergy

VII. Plant Allergies

1. Poison ivy, oak, sumac

2. Ragweed allergy

3. Sunflower allergy

VIII. Latex Allergy

1. Gloves allergy

2. Medical equipment allergy

IX. Other Allergies

1. Exercise-induced allergy (exercise-induced anaphylaxis)

2. Temperature allergy (cold, heat)

3. Vibrations allergy (vibration-induced allergy)

X. Rare Allergies

1. Water allergy (aquagenic urticaria)

2. Sunlight allergy (solar urticaria)

3. Vibrations allergy (vibration-induced allergy)

Getting Diagnosed

If you suspect that you have an allergy, the best course of action is to see a doctor or Book an appointment with PMK SCANS & LABS PVT LTD.

There are various ways to diagnose allergies:

Clinical Evaluation

1. Medical history

2. Physical examination

3. Symptom assessment

Skin Tests

1. Skin Prick Test (SPT): introduces small amounts of allergen to skin

2. Patch Test: assesses contact dermatitis

3. Intradermal Test: injects allergen under skin

Blood Tests

1. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Test: measures allergy-related antibodies

2. RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test): measures IgE antibodies

3. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): measures IgE antibodies

4. Complete Blood Count (CBC): evaluates immune system response

Elimination Diets

1. Remove common allergenic foods for 2-4 weeks

2. Reintroduce foods one at a time to assess reactions

Challenge Tests

1. Oral Food Challenge: introduces small amounts of suspected allergen

2. Inhalation Challenge: exposes patient to suspected allergen

Imaging Tests

1. X-rays: evaluates respiratory or gastrointestinal issues

2. CT scans: evaluates sinus or lung issues

3. MRI: evaluates skin or internal organ issues

Other Tests

1. Lung Function Tests (spirometry): evaluates respiratory issues

2. Allergen-specific IgG4 Test: measures immune system response

3. Atopy Patch Test: evaluates skin reactions

Specific Allergy Tests

1. Peanut allergy test

2. Tree nut allergy test

3. Milk allergy test

4. Egg allergy test

5. Dust mite allergy test

6. Pet allergy test

7. Mold allergy test

8. Pollen allergy test

Diagnostic Panel Testing

1. Basic Allergy Panel: tests for common allergens

2. Comprehensive Allergy Panel: tests for multiple allergens

3. Food Allergy Panel: tests for food-specific allergens

PMK SCANS & LABS Diagnostic Criteria on Allergy Testing

1. Symptom severity

2. Test results

3. Medical history

4. Physical examination findings

Interpretation of Results for your Understanding 

1. Positive test: indicates allergy

2. Negative test: rules out allergy

3. Inconclusive test: requires further evaluation

Remember, self-diagnosis can be risky. It's essential to have any suspected allergies diagnosed by a medical professional, you can Book your Appointment today @PMK SCANS & LABS to ensure accurate results and proper treatment.

Managing Allergies

Once an allergy is confirmed, the best way to prevent allergy is by managing. Managing an allergy requires a combination of avoidance, treatment & lifestyle changes.

Avoidance

1. Identify and avoid allergens

2. Read food labels carefully

3. Ask questions about food preparation

4. Wear protective gear (e.g., gloves, mask)

5. Avoid strong fragrances, chemicals

Treatment

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications:

    - Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

    - Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine)

    - Steroid nasal sprays

2. Prescription medications:

    - Corticosteroids

    - Immunomodulators

    - Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen)

3. Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Lifestyle Changes

1. Maintain a healthy diet

2. Exercise regularly

3. Manage stress

4. Get enough sleep

5. Keep environment clean and dust-free

Emergency Preparedness

1. Carry epinephrine auto-injector

2. Wear medical alert jewelry

3. Inform friends, family, and colleagues

4. Develop emergency action plan

Specific Allergy Management

1. Food allergy:

    - Carry food allergy card

    - Read labels carefully

    - Avoid cross-contamination

2. Insect sting allergy:

    - Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours

    - Wear protective clothing

    - Carry epinephrine

3. Dust mite allergy:

    - Use allergen-proof bedding

    - Vacuum regularly

    - Reduce humidity

Natural Remedies

1. Quercetin: anti-inflammatory properties

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: anti-inflammatory properties

3. Probiotics: gut health support

4. Acupuncture: stress reduction

Consult a Healthcare Professional or Reach PMK SCANS & LABS

1. Develop personalized treatment plan

2. Monitor allergy severity

3. Adjust medication or treatment

4. Address concerns or questions

Conclusion

Understanding allergies and how they manifest is the first step in taking charge of your health.

Book a Home Sample Collection appointment today for Allergy Testing @PMK SCANS & LABS Pvt. Ltd. to know more & understand better about your Allergies.

Why PMK SCANS & LABS?

• No.1 Diagnostic Centre in Hosur. 

• First and Only Lab in Hosur offering Advanced Technology Laboratory.

• Home Sample Collection for all kinds of Allergy Testing. 

• Authorized & Certified Laboratory in Hosur.