Allergy is a common condition found in many people. There are many kinds of allergies that can create different reactions in different people. The main types include nasal allergies, food allergies, allergic asthma, skin allergies, etc. Some people are allergic to certain kind of foods. They get some bodily reaction when they ingest those food items that they are allergic to, like a skin rash or redness, etc. Some people are allergic to certain smells while some others are allergic to the touch of certain objects. Allergies to dust, pollen, molds, scents, cosmetics, medicines, pets, etc. are well-known.How to find out if you have any allergy? Let’s explore this question.
What is an allergy?
In simple terms, an allergy is a reaction of the immune system of a person to a particular substance such as something inhaled, eaten or touched. These substances are called allergens. It is in fact an over-reaction of the immune system when it perceives a particular stimulus or object as a threat to the well-being of the organism. The immune system promptly produces certain antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE), to counter the invading substance. These antibodies cause the bodily cells to release certain protective chemicals which we perceive as an allergic reaction such as sneezing, coughing, skin rashes and even fatal reactions such as anaphylaxis.
How to know if you are allergic?
Allergies give rise to symptoms that help you know you have allergies of certain substances. Different types of allergies produce different sets of symptoms. In the case of skin allergies like eczema, one experiences redness of skin, rash, itching, blisters, flakiness, etc. In food allergies symptoms like redness of skin, swelling, itching, etc. appear minutes after consumption of the food. In nasal allergies sneezing, runny nose, itching in the nose or eyes, etc. are common symptoms that tell you about the presence of the allergy. While in asthmatic allergies coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, etc. are the most common symptoms.
Allergy testing
Are there any ways or methods to find out whether you are allergic to something? Yes, you can find out if you have any allergy by undergoing certain tests. Combined with some physical examinations and by taking into account your detailed medical history, these tests can offer very accurate information about which substances you are allergic to and which not. The major types of allergy tests include IgE skin test, blood test and challenge test. These tests are devised to tell you exactly which allergens cause allergic reactions in you and to what extent. This helps your allergist to devise a precise plan to treat your allergy.
Living a healthy, allergy-free life
You can help yourself by obtaining more information about your allergy. This way you will be able to manage your allergies in a better way. Minimizing contact with those allergens is one of the obvious ways of avoiding allergic reactions. However, if you unknowingly get in touch with an allergen and experience some form of allergic reactions then it is important to deal with it effectively. A visit to an allergist or immunologist will help you find out about your allergies and treat them effectively and promptly to avoid the discomfort caused by them.
