Which tests are performed to diagnose allergies?
April 19, 2024 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Luisa Klinger and I have been suffering from various allergic symptoms such as rashes, sneezing, and swollen eyes for some time now. These symptoms mainly occur during certain seasons or after contact with specific substances such as pollen or animal fur. I have already tried to alleviate my symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines, but they do not seem to be helping enough.
As my symptoms are becoming increasingly burdensome and significantly affecting my daily life, I have decided to visit a doctor to obtain a precise diagnosis of my allergic reactions. Therefore, I would like to know which tests can be performed to diagnose allergies. I am aware that there are different options such as skin tests, blood tests, or provocation tests, but I am unsure which one would be most appropriate in my case.
My main concerns are that I do not know exactly which allergens trigger my symptoms and how I can best avoid them. Additionally, I am worried that my allergic reactions could worsen if I am not treated in a timely manner. Therefore, it would be very helpful for me if you could provide me with information about the various diagnostic tests and suggest possible approaches to effectively treat my allergic symptoms.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Luisa Klinger
Dear Mrs. Klinger,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of allergology. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from various allergic symptoms such as skin rashes, sneezing, and swollen eyes that are significantly impacting your daily life. It is important that you take care of your health and receive an accurate diagnosis of your allergic reactions.
In your case, where the symptoms occur mainly in certain seasons or after contact with specific substances, it is advisable to undergo allergy tests to determine which allergens are triggering your symptoms. There are various types of allergy tests that can be used for diagnosing allergies. The most common ones include skin tests, blood tests, and provocation tests.
Skin tests, also known as prick or scratch tests, are easy to perform and provide quick results. Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin, and the reaction is observed. Blood tests, such as the IgE test, measure the levels of specific antibodies in the blood that are released during an allergic reaction. Provocation tests are conducted under medical supervision and involve deliberate exposure to allergens to provoke a reaction.
Once the allergens have been identified, targeted treatment approaches can be developed. These may include measures to avoid allergens, medication therapies such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, immunotherapeutic approaches such as desensitization, and lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms.
It is important that you take your allergic symptoms seriously and consult a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of your allergies and individual needs, a personalized therapy may be recommended.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions or assist you in managing your allergic symptoms.
Sincerely,
Erwin Ullmann
