In the first part of this series on allergies, I spoke about the different types of allergies and how they can manifest. If you think you may have an allergy, it is important to uncover its source. Once the source is properly identified, it may be easier to avoid the allergen and lower the frequency of your allergy attacks.
There are a few different types of tests that can be done for allergens. The best one will depend on the individual and will generally be recommended by your healthcare professional. Allergy tests will be taken into consideration with your full medical history.
This is the least expensive and quickest to employ with results being available within 20 minutes. In a skin prick test, a drop of a commercially produced allergen is introduced into your skin via a small needle prick. A small lump will generally appear within 20 minutes if you have a reaction to the substance.
A RAST test (radioallergosorbent test) is a type of blood test used to determine what substances you’re reacting adversely to. This will usually be performed if a skin prick test is not suitable, for example in patients with severe eczema or in those taking antihistamines which may interfere with a skin test.
If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet must be followed. The elimination diet involves eliminating certain foods then rechallenging with them after a certain time to ascertain whether a reaction is present. In the avoidance phase, a relatively bland simple diet will be consumed to eliminate all potential allergens. After the elimination phase, individual foods will be introduced with some time between them.
Once you have been tested and know the allergen you are allergic too, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate or avoiding it.
Dust mites and dust – The number one area for dust mites and their excreta is carpets. It may be worthwhile considering switching from carpet to floorboards if a member of your family is highly allergic. Soft furnishings, bedding, pillows and beds also harbour these guys. Be sure to clean all surfaces regularly to eliminate where possible. Also, there are products on the market now which are low allergy and provide protection from dust mites – check your local supermarket.
Mould – Damp houses generally have higher mould content than dry houses. Keeping houses dry (where possible) and keeping mould under control is important if this is an allergen for you.
Animal allergens – Pets can trigger allergies, but many of us are attached to our pets and want to keep them as part of the family. Be sure to keep animals outside as much as possible and definitely out of the room of the allergy sufferer. Regular washing of the pet can also help to reduce the amount of allergens shed.
Pollen and grasses – These can be a little harder to avoid as they are not easy to see floating in the air. Trying to stay indoors as much as possible during the pollen season (usually spring and summer) may be helpful.[1] Also, try to stay indoors on particularly windy days when pollen or grass may be stirred up.
In part 3 on her series on allergies, Jodi will discuss the difference between food allergy and food intolerance.
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