What kinds of allergy tests are there?

Have you ever wondered why your nose goes haywire during pollen season or why certain foods make your throat itch? Allergies can be both puzzling and annoying, but fortunately there are allergy tests to help solve these mysteries. Understanding what you're allergic to is the first step to effectively managing your allergies, whether it's through allergy medication, avoiding triggers, or both. Let's look at the main types of allergy tests available.

Skin prick test

The skin prick test is one of the most common allergy tests. During this test, a small amount of various allergens is applied to your skin using a tiny prick. If you're allergic to any of the substances, you'll likely see a reaction on your skin, usually a small, itchy red bump, within 20 minutes. This test is widely used to identify allergies to pollen, pet dander, mould, dust mites, and certain foods.

Blood test

If a skin prick test is not suitable for you, a blood test may be an alternative. The blood test involves taking a sample of your blood and analysing it for specific antibodies that your body produces in response to allergens. Blood tests can measure your sensitivity to common allergens, including those that cause reactions during the tree pollen and grass pollen seasons.

Patch test

The patch test is used to diagnose contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that occurs on the skin where it has been in direct contact with an allergen. Small patches infused with potential allergens are applied to your skin, usually on your back, during the test. These patches remain in place for 48 hours, after which they're removed to check for reactions. The test helps to identify allergies to things like nickel, latex, fragrances and preservatives.

Elimination diet

If you or your doctor suspect that you have food allergies, they may recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing foods from your diet that may be causing allergic reactions. If your symptoms improve, the suspected foods are gradually reintroduced one by one to see if the symptoms return. This method can be effective in identifying allergies to specific foods. However, it should be done under medical supervision to ensure that you are still receiving all the necessary nutrients.

Oral food challenge

The oral food challenge is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. It involves consuming gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen under strict medical supervision in a controlled environment. This test provides an accurate diagnosis and is usually carried out in a hospital or specialist clinic to ensure immediate treatment if a severe allergic reaction occurs.

Finding the right allergy treatment

Once you have identified your allergen, you can collaborate with your healthcare provider to determine the most effective allergy treatment. Treatment options may include saline nasal sprays, allergy nasal sprays (such as prescription nasal sprays for severe cases), or allergy immunotherapy with injections, tablets, or drops. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, such as those experienced during the pollen season, it is advisable to stay informed about pollen counts and use saline nasal sprays to alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion

Accurate allergy testing is crucial for effective management. Identifying your triggers is the first step towards relief, whether it's seasonal allergies that require allergy sprays or food allergies that require dietary changes. There are various tests available, including skin prick tests and oral food challenges, to suit everyone's needs. This paves the way for targeted allergy treatment and a more comfortable life.