Do your eyes water all the time? Is your nose blocked and dripping? At times like these, we often think that this is a common cold or a cold. But think about it, if you only experience these symptoms when you go outside, when you go near a pet at home, or when you eat certain foods, there is a high chance that it is an allergy .
What is an allergy? Why is it important to find out?
Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of our body's immune system to something that is normally harmless (for example, dust, pollen, certain foods). We call these things allergens .
Some people experience frequent itching, hives, or rashes when they have an allergy. But for others, the condition can be more severe. Severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, may occur and require immediate medical attention.
Therefore, it is very important to know exactly if you have an allergy. Then you can avoid the things that cause it ( allergens ) and take the right medication if necessary.
If your allergy symptoms don't improve with over-the-counter medications, or if you suspect you have a food allergy , the best thing to do is see a doctor. There are doctors who have been specially trained for this, we call them allergists . They will ask you about your health, ask if anyone in your family has asthma or other allergies, and examine you. Then, they may recommend some tests to confirm whether you have an allergy.
What are the main tests used to diagnose allergies?
There are two main types of tests to detect allergies. We'll talk about them separately now.
1. Skin Allergy Test
This is the most popular, fastest, and most accurate method available to diagnose allergies. The most commonly used method is the scratch test .
How do you do this?
Imagine this: A doctor or nurse places a very small drop of various allergens on your skin, usually on the inside of your arm or back. For example, pollen, mold, pet dander, some foods, and some medications can be tested this way.
Next, a very small incision is made on the skin surface where the allergen drop was placed. This is done to allow the allergen to penetrate the skin. This doesn't bleed or hurt much. It feels like a small prick.
How to know the result?
You can see the results in about 15 minutes. If the area where you applied the allergen drops turns red and swells a little, like a mosquito bite, that means you're allergic to that substance.
After the examination, the doctor or nurse will clean the area and apply a cream if there is any swelling. This swelling usually goes away completely within 30 minutes to a few hours.
Very important: Some medications you are taking may affect the results of this test. Therefore, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before the test and ask if you need to stop taking any medications.
2. Allergy Blood Test
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a blood test instead of a skin test. This is for the following reasons:
- If you have sensitive skin .
- If the results of the skin test may change due to a medication you are taking.
- If you have had a severe reaction to a previous skin test.
This involves taking a sample of your blood and sending it to a lab. The doctor will get the results within a few days. However, this can be a bit more expensive than a skin test.
| Test type | Method | Results time | Notable points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Test | Applying a small amount of allergen to the skin surface and making a small incision. | Within 15-20 minutes. | Very fast and accurate. Low cost. |
| Blood Test | Taking and testing a blood sample. | It takes a few days. | Suitable for those with sensitive skin and those taking certain medications. Expensive. |
How do you detect a food allergy?
If your doctor suspects that you have an allergy to a certain food, he or she can follow several steps to confirm it.
Elimination Diet
In this, your doctor will tell you to completely stop eating one or more foods that you suspect are allergic to for about two to four weeks. During that time, they will watch to see if you develop symptoms of the allergy. If you do not develop symptoms, your doctor will tell you to stop eating those foods and start eating them again one by one. If you experience symptoms again while eating them, there is a high chance that you are allergic to that food.
Oral Food Challenge
This is the only way to be 100% sure whether you have a food allergy or not. However, this should only be done in a hospital or clinic with an allergist .
What happens in this case is that the doctor gives you a very small amount of the food you suspect you are allergic to. Then, they watch you closely to see if you have any symptoms. If there is no reaction, they gradually increase the amount. If you start to experience symptoms like itching or redness, they stop the test and give you the necessary medication. If there is no reaction, it can be confirmed that you are not allergic to that food.
Warning: Never attempt this Oral Food Challenge at home alone. It can be life-threatening if a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs. Therefore, this should only be done under medical supervision.
Take-Home Message
- The symptoms of an allergy can be similar to those of a common cold, but if these symptoms only occur when you are exposed to a specific thing, such as dust, pollen, animals, or certain foods, it may be an allergy.
- If you suspect you have an allergy, especially a food allergy, be sure to see a doctor.
- Skin tests are the fastest and most commonly used method for diagnosing allergies. Blood tests are an alternative.
- Do not try an oral food challenge at home to confirm a food allergy. It should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.
- Before any allergy test, inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
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