Physical ExaminationPhysical examination is the initial step carried out, prior to allergy testing.
Examination of the eyes, ears, throat, skin and nose for any signs or symptoms are noted. Presence of allergy symptoms, such as, inflammation, itching, redness and drainage are looked for by the physician. The cause for any underlying symptoms is identified by a blood or skin test. Medical history follows physical examination.
The presence or absence of any disorders or diseases is revealed. The components of an individual’s diet are vital in determining the allergen.
Skin test is a simple way of allergy testing. Allergens are determined by this procedure. A purified extract of the allergy causing substance is applied on the skin, by scratching or pricking technique.
Scratch test, prick test and intradermal test are the three varieties of skin tests done. Intradermally, injecting the allergen into the skin is also done. Various drugs, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and medications for heartburn are avoided much ahead of the allergy testing procedures. Allergy testing procedure, calls for at least an hour for the diagnosis to get completed.
Allergen placement is done in 5-10 minutes at the selected area. Allow 15 minutes for the allergen to react with the antibodies in the skin.
Patch test is a time consuming process, as the patch is worn for at least 2 days, for the reaction to take place. Swimming and bathing are avoided, as they might interrupt with the reaction.
A list of the medications is provided to the physician. Medicines for allergy are stopped before the treatment. Over the counter drugs that are antihistamines are also stopped. Skin allergy testing is slightly uncomfortable and irritating.A skin test is safe and is required, before a whole body testing, as this prevents the occurrence of systemic reactions.
Itching at the site of application is eliminated by usage of a mild cortisone cream. In case of, light headedness, nausea, breathlessness, swallowing problems, fever, facial swelling, vomitting, rashes and wheezing, consider the guidance of a physician immediately.
For patients on antihistamines and antidepressants, blood tests are allowed for identifying the allergen, as they fail to interfere with the reaction. RAST (radio allergo sorbent test) and ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) are the two blood tests, utilized for allergy detection. The blood is tested for IgE antibodies. Increased IgE levels imply the presence of an allergic reaction. These blood tests are expensive and the efficacy is less, when compared to skin testing methods, though a few exceptions exist. |
|
