Allergy Profile Test

An allergy may occur if your immune system gets hypersensitive to certain foods, pollen, medicines and other substances. If you are hypersensitive to these substances then you might experience inflammation, skin rashes, wheezing and other symptoms, which are generally considered as an allergic reaction.

What is the allergy blood test?

An allergy blood test checks for the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies in your blood. Our immune system produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies in response to potential harmful substances such as viruses and bacterias. An allergic person’s immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to a specific allergen even if it is harmless.

What is an allergy?

Allergies appear when your immune system reacts abnormally to certain substances that are typically harmless. It often takes time to develop an allergy to a substance, a person may not experience any allergic reaction after the first exposure to that specific substance.

At a later time, your immune system will recognize that specific allergen, and then begins to produce antibodies in order to attack it. This development is called sensitization.

What are the causes of an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction appears when allergen binds to the antibodies, and the body releases Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies fight off foreign and harmful components in the body. When allergens bind to these antibodies, certain cells including basophils and mast cells produce chemicals that stimulate symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Histamine is a chemical which is released by the cells that tightens the walls of the airways and muscles of the blood vessels. This also triggers the lining of the nose to generate more mucus.

What are the risk factors?

People who are below the age of 18 and have a family history of allergies or asthma are at a high risk of developing allergies. Some studies have shown that cesarean babies are at risk of having allergies as they do not have exposure to the mother’s microbiome at the time of delivery.

What are the common allergens?

There are various types of allergens, which can be found everywhere. As studies suggest, one can be allergic to any kind of food group. The most common foods that can cause allergies are:

• Milk
• Fish
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy products

Other common allergens are:

• Medications
• Plant pollen
• Household chemicals
• Pet fur
• Saliva
• Skin flakes
• Mold and mildew
• Metals (Zinc, Nickel and cobalt)
• Insect bites or stings
• Cockroaches, midges, moths and caddisflies
• Latex

What are the symptoms?

Allergic reactions cause inflammation in the body. The specific type of symptoms generally depends on the type of allergen. An allergic reaction can affect the airways, nasal passages, eyes, sinuses, skin and gut.

Here are the most common symptoms of different allergens.

Food:

• Vomiting
• Tingling mouth
• Itching in mouth
• A swollen tongue
• Inflammation of the face, lips and throat
• Abdominal cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea

Dust and pollen:

• Congested or blocked nose
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Watery or inflamed eyes

Insect stings or bites:

• Swelling at the site of insect stings or bites
• A cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Itchy skin
• Hives or skin rash

Medications:

• Swelling of the face, lips and tongue
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Wheezing

Anaphylaxis may develop if the allergic reaction gets more severe.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the severe stage of an allergy, which can be life-threatening and require emergency medical care. This can occur within a few minutes or hours after exposure to the allergen. As per research, anaphylaxis badly affects the respiratory system and skin.

Anaphylaxis symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Excessive swelling
• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal heart rate
• Dizziness
• Hives
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice anyone having these symptoms then immediately call for a medical emergency because this situation can be very fatal.

What is an allergy profile test?

An allergy profile test detects the presence of an allergy by evaluating the level of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and total immunoglobulin antibodies in your body. This profile test includes 9 to 217 parameters, which will help to determine what substances you are allergic to.

When do you need this test?

You need this test if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction. You may require this test, if you are having the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Skin rash or hives
• Itchy mouth and tongue
• Inflammation in the face, mouth and throat
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

What sample will be needed?

Only a blood sample is required for this examination.

What can you expect in this test?

A medical professional will collect a sample of blood with the help of a needle. The needle will be inserted in a vein of your arm. At this time, you may feel a pinching sensation. After blood collection, the blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for examination.

Do I need to fast before the test?

No. You do not need to fast for this specific test.

What is the allergy profile test price?

The allergy profile test price starts from only Rs 799.

All test reports include the reference ranges of the tested levels. However, always consider asking your doctor about the interpretation of your test results. Look online for an “allergy profile test near me” and book your allergy test now.