Findind the cause

Findind the cause

 You may well have an allergy, but it is also possible that whatever symptoms you are experiencing could have another cause, so it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis.
Once other possibilities have been ruled the process of trying to identify allergies begins. The first step will be self observation.Your doctor will probably ask about the timing of your symptoms. Are they seasonal,for example, or do they occur all year round?
Are they worse in the moming or at night? Places that affect you can also be a giveaway.Do the symptoms occur more at home or at
work? Indoors or outside? In town or in the country? In houses where there are pets?

If the results are inconclusive your doctor may suggest laboratory tests.Two kinds are used  skin tests and a blood test known as RAST (radioallergosorbent test) or CAP (a newer version if the RAST test). Both are available on the NHS and although none is foolproof, they can often help to identify the offending substance or substances.
In skin testing, tiny amounts of suspected allergens are pricked into the skin. If you areallergic, your skin will become irritated or develop a weal. The most reliable skin tests are those for pollen, dust, moulds and other airbome allergens. Some food allergens alsoshow up very well skin tests for fish, shell fish and nut allergies (which can be very violent) are usually extremely reliable. Other
food reactions, however, may yield less clearcut results. Skin tests are simple to perform
and cause only minimal discomfort. The procedure is considered entirely safe, even
for children, and there is no danger of a seriousrallergic reaction occurring, however violent the allergy itself.
Blood tests cause a little more discomfort,and are more expensive and often less sensitive than skin tests. However, the new CAP procedure is more sensitive than the RAST test and is replacing it in many laboratories.

Posted in: Allergy, diagnosis, Findind the cause