What types of tests are available to identify allergies?
It’s quite common for people to be allergic to food, insect bites, pollen, or animal hair. In Dubai, the dusty environment can aggravate problems for many. And because ACs are used everywhere, the problem only escalates if they aren’t serviced at regular intervals.
What is an allergic reaction?
The body reacts to a harmless substance and develops a sensitivity to it. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine to fight it, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, itchiness, or nasal congestion. Sometimes these allergies can be cured with medication. Other times it may be best to avoid the allergen entirely.
Why do you need to do allergy tests?
Allergy tests can confirm whether or not a particular substance you touch, breathe or eat, is causing symptoms. Various tests can be used to find out what is causing an allergic reaction. In general, skin tests are the most reliable for diagnosing allergies to food products or airborne substances, e.g. pollen, dust mites, etc. But sometimes, additional complex ones may be required. A doctor will decide which tests you need depending upon your symptoms and medical history.
Types of allergy testing
There are different ways that allergens can be identified. If you feel that you need an allergy test in Dubai, consult a doctor to get to the root of the problem. Certain medications may interfere with your results. Stop taking the following medications 10 days before testing.
- Antihistamine
- Antidepressants
- Heartburn medicine
- Asthma medication
Clinics use the following methods to check and analyze allergies.
- Skin-prick testing
Also known as puncture or scratch test, this is the most common method of testing. It’s quick, effective and relatively painless. Up to 40 different substances can be checked at once. Small drops of suspected allergens are placed onto the skin, which is then lightly pricked by needles (lancets) that barely penetrate the skin's surface. You won't bleed or feel more than mild discomfort. Your skin will be monitored for signs of change. This can take about 15-20 minutes. If you’re allergic to any substance, a raised, red, itchy bump (wheal) that looks like a mosquito bite will develop. Those allergens will be noted.
- Intradermal testing
Small amounts of allergen extracts are injected just under the skin on your arm. It’s carried out if skin-prick tests don’t confirm a highly probable allergen. The site is examined after about 15 minutes for any signs of an allergic reaction. This type of testing is used to check for insect-sting or penicillin allergies.
- Patch testing
Patch testing is done to see whether something is causing skin irritations, such as latex, metals, etc. This procedure doesn't use needles. Instead, a few drops of an allergen is applied to a patch, which is then placed on your skin for at least 48 hours, during which you should avoid bathing and activities that cause heavy sweating. You can be tested for 20-30 substances at a time. The patch is removed, and the results are evaluated.
For people who need a more comprehensive, detailed report, elimination, provocation, or blood testing can also be done.
