ALLERGOLOGY

What triggers allergies?

Generally, we can encounter allergens everywhere, whether we are outside, at work or at home. We can inhale them or absorb them through food or skin. – The most common allergens include:

• Pollen,
• Dust mites,
• Animal dander,
• Bee or wasp venom,
• Food,
• Medicines,
• Cosmetics,
• Natural cosmetics,
• Fragrances,
• Chemicals.

Diagnosis of allergic diseases

Blood tests are among the common diagnostic methods for allergies. As part of a detailed laboratory diagnosis, it is possible to determine specific immunoglobulin E or similar values. For this purpose, blood is taken from the patient, which is then analysed in the laboratory.

Skin tests are another way to diagnose an allergy. There are different types of skin tests, the most common of which include:

Prick tests

In a prick test, a standard allergen solution is applied to the skin. A lancet is used to make a superficial prick through the surface of the skin to see if it will cause an allergic reaction in the form of a rash.

Intradermal tests

The intradermal test is only used in special cases. It is used to detect allergies to medicines or insect venoms. However, the procedure is similar to that of the prick test.

Epicutaneous tests

The epicutaneous test is used to determine a potential contact allergy. They are delayed-type allergic reactions, which means they only appear after some time. Patients are given a patch to put on their skin. If a skin reaction can be detected within a few days, a contact allergy to the tested substance is present.

How are allergies treated at Dr Duve’s?

The treatment of an allergy can be very different. For example, if it is a contact allergy, the substance causing the allergy must be avoided in the future. For acute allergic reactions, the symptoms must be alleviated with anti-allergic medication (for example, in tablet form or as a nasal spray). Certain allergies can also be treated through hyposensitisation. In this specific immunotherapy, the body is given the allergen to which it reacts in the form of tablets, drops or injections. This method can be compared to an allergy vaccination, with the objective being to combat the cause of the allergy.