Have you ever encountered sudden bouts of sneezing, skin rashes, redness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling without a discernible cause? These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to food, pets, or environmental conditions.
What is Allergy?
Allergies are sensitive reactions that occur when the body's immune system reacts unusually to food, airborne dust, animal dander, and pollen. These reactions may result in conditions such as hay fever, eczema, hives, and gastrointestinal issues. This medical phenomenon is commonly referred to as atopy.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergies.
Allergies are common in babies and children, and they usually diminish as the child gets older, but can sometimes persist into adulthood. Allergic reactions can vary from person to person, but there are several common signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of an allergy:
Itching, swelling of the lips
Itching, tightness, stridor (high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disturbed airflow), hoarseness
Redness, and swelling
Rapid breathing, coughing, wheezing
Dizziness, weak pulse, pale, clammy, loss of consciousness
What causes allergies?
Common causes of allergic reactions are food and airborne irritants
Foods that commonly cause allergic reactions; milk and other dairy products, eggs, peanut butter, sometimes oranges, soybeans, chocolate, tomatoes, fish, and wheat.
Airborne particles associated with allergic reactions include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and mold.
Some reactions can be triggered by food additives such as colorings, flavorings, and preservatives, which are commonly found in processed foods such as lollies, sauces, ice cream, soft drinks, biscuits, savory snacks, and processed meats.
Allergic reactions to dairy products can cause symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea, which are similar to the symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants. Lactose intolerance occurs when a baby cannot digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It's essential to consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis.
What tests can be used to detect allergies?
MAST 108 kinds.
The MAST 108 allergy examination panel can detect specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood in response to 108 different types of allergens with just one blood draw. These allergens include insects, fleas/mites, animals, grasses, trees, mushrooms, animal foods, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and others such as latex.
The advantages of MAST 108 kinds Test:
Can detect a wider range of allergies.
There is no risk of triggering a severe allergic reaction, unlike the skin prick test.
It is the preferred test for individuals with severe dermatitis or eczema that prevents skin prick testing.
Eosinophil absolut.
A type of white blood cell that helps the immune system. High eosinophil counts can indicate different conditions like drug or allergic reactions, or more serious conditions such as certain blood disorders. However, if the body produces an excessive amount of eosinophils, it can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
In allergic conditions, a rise in the number of eosinophils typically occurs, as seen in allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and digestive disorders triggered by allergens.
Qualitative IgE.
Measures the total amount of IgE in the blood. If you have allergies, your body produces IgE in response to the allergen, even if the allergen is harmless.
What treatments are recommended for people with allergies?
Allergen avoidance.
Your healthcare provider will assist you in identifying and avoiding allergy triggers. This is generally the most crucial step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.
Medications.
Depending on your allergies, medications can help reduce the immune system's reaction and relieve symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications in the form of pills or liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
Immunotherapy.
In cases of severe or unresolved allergies, your healthcare provider may suggest allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of pure allergen extract administered over several years. Another form of immunotherapy comes in the form of a tablet that is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Sublingual medications are used to treat certain pollen allergies.
Emergency epinephrine.
If you have severe allergies, you should carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. Epinephrine injections (such as Auvi-Q, EpiPen, and others) can reduce symptoms of severe allergic reactions until you receive emergency treatment.
Allergy Check at K-Lab!
This month, K-Lab is offering an exciting promotion: the MAST (Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test) Allergy Package for only IDR 1,500,000! The price before the promotion was over 5 million. This test is suitable for those experiencing allergy symptoms or with a family history of allergies, but are unsure of the cause.
To register, you can fill out the form on the website's homepage or contact the clinic via WhatsApp here. Prospective patients are advised not to take anti-allergic medication for at least one week before the blood test. Let's prioritize our health with K-Lab for a calmer and happier life!
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