Allergies are our immune system’s reaction to a normally harmless foreign substance (known as an allergen) like -bee venom, pet dander, pollen, or a kind of/ few kinds of food. The manner by which the body responds to the allergen is called an allergic reaction. 

If a body is prone to allergies, the first time it gets exposed to a specific allergen, substances known as antibodies are produced by the immune system. This identifies a particular allergen as harmful, though it may not be harmful in reality and when the person comes into contact with the allergen, the immune system reacts and inflames their skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. As a result, a chemical called histamine is released and causes symptoms of allergies.

Allergies vary from person to person and so does their severity. It can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening emergency). 

Though most allergies can't be cured, allergy-specific tests like Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) of type I allergy treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms. CRD has shown promise to improve diagnostics and has entered into clinical practice.

Types of Allergies and their Symptoms

Hay fever

Also called allergic rhinitis, Hay fever causes cold-like symptoms, but unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. It is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance such as pollen and dust mites. Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) also can be allergens causing:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes

A food allergy

Food allergy occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food triggers signs such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. In some people, it can even cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Common food allergy symptoms include:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy 

A bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant are the most common insects that can cause allergy through the sting. Severe allergic reactions called anaphylactic reactions are not that common. But when they happen, they are emergencies. Symptoms of an insect sting are:

• A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy

The abnormal reaction of your immune system to medication causes a drug allergy and your body reacts in these ways:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Allergy Diagnosis

Many times, you may not know what is causing your allergy symptoms. Information from allergy tests will help your doctor develop an allergy treatment plan that includes allergen avoidance, medications, or allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Food Allergy Test

Food allergy testing is used to find out if a person has an allergy to a specific food. It may also be used to find out whether it is a true allergy or, a sensitivity to a food.

Food sensitivity, which is also known as food intolerance, is often confused with a food allergy. The two conditions commonly have similar symptoms, but complications can be very different.

The test begins with the allergist performing a physical exam and asking about the symptoms. Following which, one or more of the following tests will be performed:

• Oral challenge test

During this test, small amounts of the food suspected of causing the allergy will be given in a capsule or with an injection, and the person will be closely monitored to see if there is an allergic reaction. The allergist will provide immediate treatment if there is a reaction.

• Elimination diet test

This test helps to find the specific food or foods that are causing the allergy. All suspected foods will be eliminated from the diet and will be added back to the diet one at a time, looking for an allergic reaction. This shows whether there’s a reaction due to a food allergy or a food sensitivity. 

• Skin prick test

During this test, a small amount of the suspected food will be placed on the skin of the person’s forearm or back. The skin will be pricked to allow a tiny amount of the food to get beneath the skin and if it gets a red, itchy bump at the injection site, it usually means the person is allergic to the food.

• Blood test

This test checks for IgE antibodies in the blood. IgE antibodies are made in the immune system when you are exposed to an allergy-causing substance. 

Food Intolerance Test

This is an IgG-based test. This test uses a blood sample for the detection of IgE antibodies and to determine if a person is allergic to different foods or food intolerance such as wheat, cow’s milk, crab, egg, etc

Food intolerance and food allergy may often be difficult to distinguish because they have many common symptoms.

Food intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable, or finds it difficult to digest certain foods, following which he or she experiences gastrointestinal disturbances. This occurs when the digestive system cannot break down certain ingredients in the food.

Blood tests to check IgE antibodies and the skin prick tests mentioned above (food allergy tests) can help identify if the person is having a food allergy. 

Further, A hydrogen breath test can help identify some food intolerances, but most often you may have to go on an elimination diet and maintain a detailed diary of the food you eat, and the symptoms you have.

Inhalation Allergy Test

This test helps to identify indoor allergies and outdoor seasonal allergies.

The IgE Inhalants Profile is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies to common indoor and outdoor inhalants. The profile also includes a total IgE measurement. Testing can help identify whether an allergen is triggering the common symptoms associated with seasonal, pet, or mite allergies. 

This test lets in confirming the allergy and lets the patient include better symptom management by avoiding ongoing exposure to the identified allergen.

Component resolved diagnosis (CRD) 

CRD is also known as Molecular Allergy Diagnostics. It comprehensively explores the origin and structure of single allergen molecules and their utility in improving the management of type I, IgE-mediated allergic reactions and disorders like allergic respiratory diseases, food allergies, and anaphylaxis.

Given the limitations of conventional methods for diagnosing food allergies, new molecular-based diagnostic techniques—collectively referred to as component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) have emerged as promising diagnostic tools.

CRD extends an innovative and revolutionary tool in allergy diagnosis and can be used to diagnose suspected food allergies and allergen sources, can drive risk assessment, epinephrine prescription, and provide dietary advice. 

CRD is considered useful in investigating cross-reactivity and can define the best treatment option for respiratory allergy as well.

CRD precisely identifies the sensitization to specific molecules of a given allergenic source and thus facilitates improved clinical management. As a result, the correct prescription of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for respiratory allergy and adequate avoidance diets can be advised.  

ACAP- Advanced Common Allergy Panel is the name of the test that comes under CRD or Molecular Diagnostics.

Conclusion: The Importance of Testing Your Allergies

Allergy testing can help avoid serious health implications or overreactions and it may relieve some of your stress if you find out you are allergy-free. Allergy testing is important and beneficial because it tells you exactly what to stay away from.

Simply looking at history and patient reports to predict allergies is not reliable. Allergy testing can inform patients exactly what to stay away from and avoid overreactions.

To find out more about testing your allergies, do get in touch with our centre.