Which symptoms indicate an allergy?
August 2, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear doctor,
My name is Claudia Schwaru and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing various health issues for some time now, which could possibly indicate an allergy. Lately, I have been dealing with increased sneezing fits, red and itchy eyes, and skin rashes. These symptoms mainly occur in specific situations, such as when I come into contact with certain foods, plants, or animals.
I am very concerned as these issues are affecting my quality of life and I am unsure of the cause. My work performance and social activities are also suffering due to the symptoms, as I often feel tired and unfocused. I have already tried various over-the-counter medications, but they have not provided lasting relief.
Could the mentioned symptoms indeed indicate an allergy? Are there specific tests that can be conducted to diagnose an allergy? What treatment options are available to help alleviate my symptoms and return to a normal daily routine?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Claudia Schwaru
Dear Mrs. Schwaru,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as an allergist. The symptoms you have described indeed strongly indicate an allergic reaction. Sneezing fits, red and itchy eyes, and skin rashes are typical signs of an allergy, which can be caused by various triggers. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis in order to initiate appropriate treatment measures and improve your quality of life.
To determine if you indeed suffer from an allergy, various tests can be conducted. Common diagnostic procedures include the skin prick test, the blood test (RAST test), and the provocation test. In the skin prick test, small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin and then scratched to provoke a reaction. The blood test measures the level of specific antibodies in the blood that indicate an allergic reaction. During the provocation test, the allergen is administered under medical supervision to monitor a reaction.
After making a precise diagnosis, various treatment options can be considered to alleviate your symptoms. These include avoiding the allergen, taking antiallergic medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or mast cell stabilizers, as well as specific immunotherapy (desensitization). Immunotherapy aims to desensitize the immune system to the allergen in the long term and reduce symptoms.
It is important that you consult an allergist if your symptoms persist, in order to receive an individual diagnosis and treatment plan. Together, we can take appropriate measures to improve your health and enhance your quality of life.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Petra Netz
