Common Allergy Tests and What They Mean

Table Of Contents

• Summary
• Introduction
• Food Allergy Testing
• Respiratory Allergy Test
• Drug Allergy Test
• Skin Allergy Testing
• Insect Allergy Testing
• Rhinitis Allergy Testing
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Summary

This article is meant to educate you about common allergies. Also to figure out the possible allergies tests if symptoms of any of the allergies are seen. The foremost effort should be using precautionary steps to avoid allergies. But in case you will have any allergy then you must know the proper knowledge of allergies testing. And you should also know the best allergy testing medical centers like HillSide Family Medicine.

Introduction

There are many types of allergies like food, respiratory, drug, skin, insect, and rhinitis allergies. And allergies are most frequent and can be infected to the most of the population. So it is of real importance that one should go for proper testing if symbols of allergies are identified. The allergies testing will enable you to start proper medication and prevent any further severe conditions. Allergy tests play a vital role to identify the real triggering factors. Like it will identify whether allergies are because of food, environment, or by other factors. This will then allow a proper direction of medicines and possible refraining from those triggering factors.

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergies are mostly common in children. This occurs when a harmless food is not accepted by the immune system or it triggers allergic signs. The symptoms of food allergy are 

• Skin issues
• Stomach issues
• Swelling
• Loss of consciousness (In severe Cases)
• Low blood pressure 

Peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and wheat are the possible food allergens. Food allergy tested in many ways and it has some types. It includes SPT, blood tests, and elimination diet. A brief introduction to these three types is given below.

Skin Prick Test

In this test experts allow small amounts of the suspected allergen to enter the skin. It then identifies the allergic reactions like redness, or swelling. This indicates that the person is suffering from food allergy. It may not be accurate for all allergies but it is quick and efficient to give results.

Blood Tests

Blood sample is taken to measure the level of IgE antibodies. It measures the antibodies released by the human immune system in reaction. It is again a useful and quick technique. Mostly it is useful to detect food allergens which are hard to detect by SPT.

Elimination Diet

In this technique, the doctors recommend removing the suspected food allergens from the diet. And after a few weeks again reintroducing them by careful monitoring. This helps indicate the symptoms when reintroducing the allergens. It is a time consuming test but helps identify the non IgE mediated food allergies.

Respiratory Allergy Testing

Respiratory allergies are common in unhygienic environments. The allergens are mold, pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander. The symptoms are coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

The goal is to identify the airborne allergens which are common. Following are the tests.

Skin Prick Test

SPT procedure for respiratory allergies is the same as that of food allergies. Again applying a small amount of suspected allergen in the skin. The test indicates positive results if wheal appears in skin within 15-20 minutes of allergen application. This is an efficient and quick test. It identifies the allergen whether it is mold, dust or pollen. SPT also gives advantage to test multiple allergens at once.

Blood Test 

Blood tests involve taking samples and sending them to the laboratory for measuring the level of specific antibodies. It is done for identifying various respiratory allergens. It can take a longer time but it measures the antibodies released by the immune system. Blood tests are ideal for those who can not undergo skin test i.e. SPT.

Nasal Smear for Cytology

This procedure involves testing of nasal mucus. For this purpose a sample of mucus from nasal passage is taken and examined in the microscope for looking for any possible allergic signs. It will identify the inflammation caused by the allergens. The results are subject to the quality of the sample taken.

Drug Allergy Testing

Drug allergies are caused because of the side effects of any medicine. In some instances the human body does not accept all medications making it to be an allergen. Common signs of drug allergies are skin rashes, itching, or swelling. In moderate and severe conditions the symptoms are joint pains, vomiting, nausea, low BP, or loss of consciousness. The common drug allergies are antibiotics, sulfa drugs, and penicillin. Following are the common tests used for drug allergies.

Skin Testing

Skin tests are mostly used for antibiotics and other medications. A small amount of drug is used to the surface just beneath the skin. It is done by a needle to prick the skin to place a small amount of suspected drug. For positive results it will show symptoms otherwise not. It is not suitable for all kinds of drugs like chemotherapy drugs. Usually after 20-30 minutes of the test symptoms start to be visible.

Blood Tests

Blood test finds the reaction of the immune system in response to the drug’s intake. The process is the same as for other allergies. Means taking blood samples and measuring the level of antibodies. 

Oral Challenge Test

In this testing procedure small amounts of suspected drug’s doses are given to the patient under the supervision of the specialists. The doses are increased gradually to monitor the allergic reactions. It gives the most accurate results. It can distinguish between allergic reactions and side effects.

Skin Allergy Testing

Allergies can occur when the immune system reacts to the substances in contact with skin. The symptoms are skin rashes, contact dermatitis, and eczema. And it is important to know that metals, latex, cosmetics, etc. can be the suspected allergens.

The types of skin allergy tests are:

Patch Testing

In patch testing, a small amount of suspected allergen is used in skin patches for identifying delayed type allergic reactions. Allergens like chemicals, metal and natural substances can be tested by patch tests. After 48 hours the patches are removed from the skin and checked for the allergic reactions. This test gives efficient results for allergic contact dermatitis.

Skin Prick Test

This test is efficient to test immediate allergic reactions in skin particularly those caused by the antibodies. The procedure is exactly the same as done for other allergies. Applying a sample to the forearm or back by pricking the skin by needle. And then monitoring for 15-20 minutes for the possible allergic reactions. The immediate allergic reactions are associated with insect bites or plants.

Insect Allergy Testing

Such allergies happen by insect bites or stings. This is because of biting by bees, wasp venom, fire ants, and more. The symptoms visible are swelling, redness, or anaphylaxis in severe conditions. The tests involved in the treatment of insect allergies are.

Skin Prick Test

With the same procedure and purpose SPT detects sensitivity to the venom. SPT is again a quick and efficient method to identify the allergens. This test further helps and directs proper medication.

Blood Tests

After taking blood samples from the body, the sample is tested in the laboratory. This test measures the level of IgE released by the antibodies in response to the venom. This test is helpful to those who cannot undergo skin prick test.

Venom Immunotherapy (VIT)

It is a potential treatment method after testing. This treatment method involves exposing the patients to the suspected venom. This helps to reduce the abnormal reactions by the immune system. VIT is highly recommended to prevent severe allergic reactions.

Allergy Rhinitis

It is also called hay fever. It is an allergic reaction in the nasal passages. The common symptoms are sneezing, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. And the common allergens are pollen, dust, or pet dander. The common test for allergy rhinitis are

Skin Prick Test

SPT is again a common and efficient method to detect inhaled allergens. The suspected allergen or allergens are applied to the skin by pricking the skin with a needle. And within a span of 30 minutes the allergic signs may be seen. This method is quick and efficient.

Nasal Smear or Endoscopy

This testing phase involves testing of nasal mucus. A sample of mucus from nasal passage is taken to examine under the microscope for looking for any possible allergic signs. It will identify the inflammation caused by the allergens. The results are subject to the quality of the sample taken.

Conclusion

Allergies are common and may be stressful sometimes. So having the basic knowledge of the types of allergies and allergies testing is important. The proper testing is necessary for the proper medications. If you face any problem regarding allergies. Our experts at HillSide family Medicine are experienced in allergies testing. Contact us at ‘770-485-0031’ for any future correspondence related to allergy tests and treatments.

FAQs