How are allergies diagnosed?

The first thing to do is seek medical advice. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct the necessary tests to identify the trigger(s) or allergen(s). Depending on the severity and complexity, you might be referred to a specialist.

There are different types of tests depending on the symptoms and the allergy type.

Skin tests are the most common allergy test, during which the skin is exposed to different types of allergens.

Elimination testing is the opposite, as it requires eliminating certain allergens for a certain period of time and then re-introducing them to see if a reaction happens.

What treatments are available?

Allergies cannot be cured, but can be managed and controlled. Symptoms will reoccur whenever you come into contact with the trigger or allergen.

Treatments differ depending on the nature and severity of the allergy.

Variances are also based on allergy type, i.e. if it is food allergy or a skin allergy. Some allergies are treated with medicines like Antihistamines that help reduce and manage the symptoms.

Other medications prevent the release of the chemicals that cause the allergic reaction.

Alternative treatments include Immunotherapy or Desensitisation.

These are preventative treatments that are usually pursued if a person has sensitivity towards several allergens.

Through this treatment, the person receives a gradually increasing dose of the allergen.

Over time, the immune system becomes less sensitive to the trigger and produces ‘blocking antibodies’ that help reduce future allergic reactions when the body encounters the allergen.