Innovations in Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
Symptoms of Allergies
The most common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nose or throat. Other signs and symptoms vary depending on what causes the allergic reaction and may include:
- Skin reactions like eczema, hives, or rashes. Skin reactions can occur right after contact with an allergen or days later for some people. They usually appear on the hands, feet, arms or legs but can occur anywhere on the body.
- Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment is respiratory symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness/pain. These symptoms are common in people with asthma who are allergic to inhaled substances like pollens, dust mites, molds or animal dander.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Food allergies are one of the main causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, face or other body parts. Swelling in the mouth or throat can also occur which is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnostic Tests for Allergies
If a person suspects they have allergies, the first step is usually a medical evaluation by a doctor. They will collect a thorough medical history and examine the patient to understand symptoms and potential triggers. Some common diagnostic tests for allergies include:
- Skin prick tests - This involves pricking the skin with known allergens and observing for a reaction. It can identify immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated allergies quickly.
- Blood tests - Specific IgE blood tests can detect sensitization to specific allergens. This is useful if skin testing isn't possible or if the allergen causing the issue isn't clear.
- Patch tests - For contact dermatitis or eczema, patch tests help identify if specific items like metals, cosmetic ingredients or plants are causing a reaction.
- Respiratory function tests - Spirometry and peak flow monitoring can assess how well the lungs work in people with asthma and show response to treatments.
- Elimination diets - Removing suspect foods one at a time can help identify food triggers, but requires patience and guidance from a doctor or dietitian.
Allergy Treatment Options
Once the specific allergens are identified, treatments focus on preventing or reducing exposure to triggers as much as possible along with medications for symptom relief. Some treatment approaches include:
- Allergen avoidance - Knowing your triggers allows making informed lifestyle choices to reduce contact as much as practical. Keeping triggers out of the home, workplace, school etc. provides the best control.
- Allergen immunotherapy (AIT)- Also known as allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops, AIT involves administering controlled doses of allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system. This offers long term benefit but takes time.
- Medications - Antihistamines are first line for treating symptoms from seasonal and perennial allergies. For asthma, inhaled corticosteroids,rescue inhalers and long acting bronchodilators are commonly used. Other options include intranasal corticosteroids for sinus pain, nasal congestion and oral steroids for severe reactions.
- Eye drops/ointments - These specially formulated preparations relieve itching, burning and redness in allergic conjunctivitis. Some contain antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers.
- Asthma management plans - Doctors can help create a customized plan using preventive inhalers daily and reliever inhalers as needed to keep symptoms at bay.
- Allergen-impermeable bed covers/pillows - Encasements help prevent dust mites from breathing triggers into the lungs, especially helpful for people allergic to dust. Regular cleaning is still required.
- Decongestants - Oral or topical nasal sprays may provide temporary relief from nasal congestion but long term use isn't advised.
No single approach works for everyone as allergies involve complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. With the right combination of treatment and management guided by a doctor, it's possible to achieve good symptom control for most people.
Get This Report in English Language: Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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