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What is allergy testing? If you have an allergy it means that your body is reacting to a particular substance. Any substance that can set off an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To decide which allergens are setting off your allergies, you can be tested for certain allergens. Allergy testing can determine what you are allergic to and you can then be provided with the best treatment. Who should be tested for allergies?
If you or any member of your family at any age have symptoms that lead you to believe that you may be suffering from an allergy then allergy testing may be a good idea.
Allergy symptoms can include: Itchy eyes, nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion or wheezing Hives, generalised itchiness or atopic dermatitis Anaphylaxis (severe life-threatening allergic reactions), abdominal symptoms (cramping, diarrhoea) consistently following particular foods, stinging insect reactions other than large local swelling at the sting site. Generally, inhaled allergens such as dust mites, tree, grass or weed pollens will produce respiratory symptoms and food allergies will produce skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms or anaphylaxis but both types of allergens can produce all or any of the of allergy symptoms. Which allergens should I be tested for?Your symptoms are probably caused by one of these common allergens: - products from dust mites
- proteins from furry pets, which are found in their skin secretions saliva and urine
- moulds found in the home or in the air outside
- tree, grass and weed pollen
- cockroach droppings.
More serious allergic reactions can be caused by: - venoms from the stings of bees, wasps, yellow jackets, fire ants and other stinging insects;
- foods;
- natural rubber latex, such as gloves or balloons; or
- drugs, such as penicillin.
All of these allergens are typically made up of proteins. Allergy testing will discover which of these proteins you may be allergic to. If you would like more information about allergy testing at home please click here.
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