Many people often struggle with health problems whose source cannot be clearly located. The treatment methods used do not bring the expected results. Itching or rashes are usually symptoms of allergies. It can also be recognized by other symptoms, but it should be remembered that we may be dealing with a food allergy or skin allergy. Then the symptoms will be different. However, the main ones include:— troublesome, watery runny nose – abnormal skin changes – eyelid swelling, conjunctivitis – shortness of breath, cough Sometimes we can determine for ourselves whether we are allergic to a given factor. This mainly applies to food allergies, where after eating a given product we can observe our body and its reaction. When it comes to inhalant allergies, it is a bit more difficult with them. However, if our problems begin at the turn of January and February and intensify with the improvement of the weather, then we are certainly dealing with an allergy to plant pollen. However, in order to accurately and precisely determine what the problem is, it is necessary to visit a specialist.
Doctor’s help – how to prepare for a visit to the doctor’s officeIf you notice any of the above symptoms or something that concerns you, it is worth seeing a doctor. It will help to determine what factor could have caused such a reaction of the body. Before such a visit, it is worth preparing for it and thinking about a few questions: – has there been an animal in our surroundings? – we may be allergic to animal hair – has there been an ingredient in our menu that we have not eaten so far? – have the symptoms intensified in a closed room or, for example, in a meadow? – have we not used a new cosmetic? – has it not been used in our family have or have not had people with allergies or skin problems? It’s always worth thinking about what’s new in our lives. This will help the doctor more precisely determine the type of allergy. Allergen tests will also be necessary.Tests– are the most popular skin tests – helpful primarily in determining allergies in children, because they allow early identification of the allergen. Mainly used to identify the triggers of inhalant allergies.- serological tests (from blood) – allow to determine the allergen both in case of inhalation allergy and food allergy. It takes a few days for the results of this test to be available, but they are essential in determining the allergen in young children under 3 years of age and in people with very severe allergies. provocation tests – they are primarily used to confirm previous tests, especially if the result was different from the previously conducted interview. In this test, the body is exposed to a specific allergen. The challenge is performed conjunctival, intranasal, alimentary or bronchial.DesensitizationIf it turns out that we are allergic, it is worth thinking about desensitization. However, desensitization cannot be performed on: – the elderly, over 50 – children under 5 – people suffering from acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and chronically ill – pregnant women 5 years. It is carried out at intervals strictly determined by the doctor conducting desensitization. Over time, it will be possible to reduce the intake of anti-allergy medications.