Darrick Robles In Germany, almost every third person is diagnosed with an allergy, with hay fever being the most common form of allergy. Have you noticed allergic reactions such as watery eyes, frequent sneezing or breathing difficulties, but don’t know the trigger? Then an allergy test can provide clarification.
triggers of allergies
Unfortunately, allergies can have many different causes. Because that often turns the search for their trigger into detective work. For example, people can be allergic to pet dander, food, medicines, dust mites, metals and mold, and of course pollen. The body’s own immune system then shows an overreaction, i.e. the allergic symptoms.
Must-have for people suffering from hay fever: the pollen count calendar
If you are allergic to pollen, a pollen count calendar will provide you with valuable information that you can ideally use to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms. Depending on when your symptoms appear, you can see potential triggers on the calendar.
Pollen count calendars are available in large numbers on the internet and as apps. You can find up-to-date and regionally differentiated information on pollen levels at the German Weather Service . We also recommend our tips for pollen allergy sufferers if you have hay fever .
Extremely useful: medical allergy tests
Thorough research into the causes with the help of medically controlled allergy tests is worthwhile. On this basis, the allergen, i.e. the trigger of an allergy, can often be easily avoided. In this way you can prevent possible complaints in a targeted manner and, if necessary, have a hyposensitization carried out.
Caution: Self-tests designed as quizzes on the Internet are often unscientific and therefore not very meaningful! For a really well-founded test, you should consult a doctor. In particular, dermatologists, ear, nose and throat doctors and pneumologists (lung specialists), but also general practitioners are familiar with allergy tests.
Most commonly performed allergy tests
blood test
In the fight against allergens, the immune system forms antibodies or defense cells. These can be detected in a laboratory test in the blood. A blood test can also be carried out when other forms of testing are not possible, for example due to allergy medication being taken. The test result is usually available within a few days.
skin test
The skin prick test involves nicking the skin on the inside of the forearm and exposing it to small amounts of potential allergens. Then look for redness, itching or other reactions. In the intradermal test, allergy-triggering substances are injected under the skin on the back. This method is particularly suitable for weaker-acting allergens. With skin tests, the result is usually available after about 20 minutes.
patch test
In the epicutaneous test, special patches are stuck to the skin, on the inside of which the possible allergy triggers are located in small aluminum chambers. Redness, swelling or blisters that appear as a result indicate possible allergies. The patches remain on the skin for up to 2 days and the final result is available approximately 2 days after the patch is removed.
Provokationstest
Provocation tests are often used, especially in the case of respiratory and food allergies. Even if skin or blood tests are inconclusive, they are carried out. Here, the patient breathes in small amounts of potential allergens. The doctor then measures, for example, the nasal air flow or the lung function – the result is therefore available promptly.
elimination diet
If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet can be a useful way to make a diagnosis. Suspicious foods are consistently avoided for 2 weeks. It is checked whether the allergy symptoms improve. At the end of the diet there is usually an additional provocation test supervised by a doctor.
Allergy tests are reliable
Allergy tests are not 100% conclusive. They also only indicate possible allergies – in individual cases it may be that you are tested positive for an allergen, but you do not have any symptoms. In this case, there is no allergy. However, the following also applies: A negative test result is quite suitable for ruling out an allergy. Then you can e.g. B. Enjoy a certain food that you previously suspected as an allergen with a clear conscience.
With allergies to Med-Healths
You have allergic complaints? A doctor at Med-Healths can be a first port of call to get to the bottom of the cause of your symptoms. A symptom diary has often proven to be an enormous help for both sides. The doctor can also refer you to the right specialist if necessary. Especially with hay fever and other known allergies, our doctors can usually help and prescribe the right medication.
