How can I find out which substances I am allergic to?
September 11, 2023 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Alice Born and I have been suffering from various allergy symptoms for some time now, which greatly affect my daily life. I regularly experience sneezing fits, watery eyes, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties. I have already undergone various allergy tests, but so far no specific cause for my symptoms has been found.
I am very concerned about which substances I may be allergic to and how I can alleviate or even get rid of my allergy symptoms. It is very distressing not to know exactly what triggers my symptoms and how to deal with them.
Could you please explain to me how I can find out which substances I am allergic to? Are there any specific tests or examinations that can help me with this? What options are available to treat and alleviate my allergy symptoms? I would greatly appreciate your help and support in finally gaining clarity about my allergies and finding the right therapy.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Kind regards,
Alice Born
Dear Alice Born,
thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from various allergy symptoms that are significantly affecting your daily life. Allergies can indeed be very burdensome, especially when the exact cause of the symptoms has not yet been identified.
To determine which substances you are allergic to, it is important to perform various allergy tests. Common test methods include the skin prick test, intradermal test, patch test, and blood test. In the skin prick test, small amounts of potentially allergenic substances are applied to the skin and the reaction is observed. The blood test measures the presence of specific antibodies against certain allergens in the blood. These tests can help identify the exact triggers of your allergy symptoms.
There are various ways to treat and alleviate your allergy symptoms. One of the most important measures is to avoid contact with identified allergens as much as possible. In addition, medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestant nasal sprays can help control symptoms. In some cases, immunotherapy (desensitization) may be considered to desensitize the immune system in the long term.
It is important to work with an experienced allergist to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. I recommend scheduling an appointment with an allergist in your area who can further examine and advise you.
I hope this information is helpful to you and supports you on your journey to relieve your allergy symptoms. Feel free to ask any further questions or seek support if needed.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist
