Which symptoms can indicate an allergy?
May 20, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Dennis Lauer and I have been experiencing increased health problems lately, which lead me to suspect that I may have an allergy. I suffer from constant sneezing, watery eyes, throat itching, and occasional skin rash. These symptoms occur mainly in specific situations, such as when in contact with certain animals, outdoors, or when consuming certain foods.
These complaints significantly affect my quality of life and I am concerned that they could worsen. I have already tried to identify the triggers for my symptoms by keeping a diary to recognize possible connections. However, I find it difficult to establish a clear link between my symptoms and specific allergens.
Therefore, I would like to ask for your advice: What symptoms could indicate an allergy? Are there typical signs that I can observe in myself? What tests could help me identify the cause of my complaints? And most importantly, what treatment options are available to me to alleviate my symptoms and improve my quality of life?
I would greatly appreciate your help and support, as I wish to finally gain clarity about my health problems and find a suitable treatment. Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Dennis Lauer
Dear Dennis Lauer,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing health issues that could be indicative of a possible allergy. The symptoms you described such as constant sneezing, watery eyes, itching in the throat, and occasional rash could indeed be signs of an allergic reaction.
Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms and manifest in different ways. In addition to the symptoms you mentioned, breathing difficulties, coughing, headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues can also indicate an allergy. It is important that you carefully observe and document your symptoms to identify possible correlations with specific allergens.
To identify the cause of your symptoms, various diagnostic tests are available. These include the skin prick test, blood test (RAST test), provocation test, or specific IgE test. These tests can help determine which allergens your body is reacting to and thus lay the foundation for targeted treatment.
The treatment of allergies primarily aims to alleviate symptoms and avoid triggers. Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, various treatment options are possible. These include taking antiallergic medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization). It is also important to minimize contact with triggering allergens, for example through allergen avoidance or desensitization.
It is advisable that you promptly seek examination by an allergist to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment strategy. I am available in my online consultation hours to discuss your symptoms further and assist you in finding suitable solutions.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and that you can soon gain clarity about your health issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or uncertainties.
Best regards,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist
