How can I determine which substances I am allergic to?
December 18, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
my name is Katja Jung and I have been suffering from various allergic reactions for some time now. I have noticed that after contact with certain substances such as pollen, animal hair, or certain foods, I consistently experience skin rashes, itching, sneezing, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms are increasingly affecting my daily life and I am concerned about the potential long-term effects on my health.
I have already identified various allergens in my environment and have tried to avoid them. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact trigger of my symptoms, as I do not always have an allergic reaction immediately after contact with a particular substance. Sometimes the symptoms only occur hours or even days later.
Therefore, I would like to know from you how I can best determine which substances I am allergic to. Are there specific tests or examinations that can help me more accurately determine my allergies? What treatment options are available to me to alleviate my symptoms and better cope with my daily life?
I would greatly appreciate your expert advice and hope for helpful tips and recommendations to better manage my allergic reactions.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Katja Jung
Dear Mrs. Jung,
Thank you for your detailed description of your allergic symptoms. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from skin rashes, itching, sneezing, and breathing difficulties, and that this is affecting your daily life. It is understandable that you are concerned about the long-term effects on your health. It is important to identify the exact triggers of your allergic reactions in order to be able to target them effectively.
To find out which substances you are allergic to, an allergological examination may be helpful. There are various testing options available, which your doctor can suggest to you. Common allergy tests include the skin prick test, blood test, and patch test. The skin prick test involves applying small amounts of allergens to the skin and observing the skin's reaction. The blood test measures the level of specific antibodies in the blood that indicate an allergic reaction. The patch test is used to test for contact allergies to certain substances such as metals or cosmetics.
Once the exact triggers of your allergic reactions have been identified, your doctor can suggest targeted treatment options for you. These may include avoiding the allergens, medication such as antihistamines or corticosteroid creams to relieve symptoms, and in some cases, specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) for long-term reduction of allergy symptoms.
It is important that you discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor so that a personalized treatment plan can be developed together. Additionally, keeping records of your symptoms and possible triggers can help to better identify the causes of your allergies.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and that you will soon experience an improvement in your allergic symptoms. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist
