We’ve probably experienced an allergic reaction at a certain point in our lives when we ate something that we didn’t know that we were allergic to or when we started sneezing when we’re close to a certain pet or substance. But did you know that there are different ways of testing out if you’re allergic to something without having to take the substance?
There will be times that allergic reactions are more than just mild annoyances. In some cases, an allergic reaction can have severe consequences, especially when it can block off air passage to the lungs and other serious health complications.
One of the best ways of lowering the risk of allergic reactions among children and adults is by going through allergy testing. These tests will generally vary depending on what type of allergy that is suspected, as well as the current state of your health.
Although it might seem trivial, allergy tests are a non-negotiable part of surgeries since this is how most medical practitioners know if the patient is allergic to anesthetics and other substances. There are also certain types of vaccines that people have potential allergies to, such as the tetanus toxoid vaccine.
It’s quite surprising what type of substances that people can be allergic to. In certain situations, people can be allergic to some of the most common fruits and materials, such as latex. As such, it’s only appropriate that we consider what most individuals are allergic to, especially if this substance and material need to be used during medical operations and in the individual’s daily tasks.
What Can Cause Allergies?
Well, there’s no one substance that can cause allergies. Our body is unique in its own way, and each person will have unique biochemistry that’s different from others. Most of the time, foreign substances (which usually comes in the form of food and medication) might make the immune system “overreact” and will make them think that microbes and pathogens are invading the body.
So what are some known allergens?
Fruits and Vegetables
First and foremost, fruits, vegetables, and legumes will have certain substances that people will be allergic to. It’s important to note that fungi and other types of non-animal substances can also cause allergic reactions, especially when it comes to spores.
Substances from Other Animals
Several types of substances that include pet dander, venom, and animal-based products can cause minor to severe allergic reactions. In several cases, insect bites and venom from arachnids are known for causing major health complications.
Carpets, Rugs, and Fabrics
Individual studies and various statistics have found that dirt, fur, pet dander, and bacteria can easily accumulate in carpets, with at least a pound of dirt and filth accumulating for at least one square foot of carpet.
Even carpets and rugs that are used in offices can still accumulate these allergens. Can you just imagine that one carpet in your office’s entrance that hasn’t been cleaned for years? In this day and age, one can’t be too careful about getting sick from disease-causing germs or allergens. Fortunately, there are carpet cleaning services for offices that can ensure that carpets or any fabric type in your workplace are free from allergens and disease-causing germs.
Allergic Testings
Not only are allergic testings needed for medical operations, but if you know that a certain type of allergic reaction runs deep in your family, you might want to consider having your child tested for certain substances.
Here are some tests that can be done:
Patch test – Patch tests are one of the most common types of tests and are used to check for one of the most common symptoms: rashes and dermatitis. Unlike other types of tests, this doesn’t have to involve needs or puncturing the skin. Although the number of substances that can be tested isn’t as varying as those that involve puncturing.
Prick Test – This will normally involve dropping an allergen on the forearm right before puncturing the skin with a small needle. This needle will only picture the surface of the skin so the patient won’t feel any pain during the process. Normally, this is done with more than 40 different allergens and can be done at the same time with other substances if there are bumps that do resemble a bug bite. This is known for identifying allergens from food, pollen, and sometimes even vaccines.
Injection – As the name suggests, this involves just injecting a small amount of allergens into the skin of your arm. After a few minutes, there’s going to be some form of reaction if the person is allergic. This is usually used to check for allergies to certain types of animal venoms or fungal-based medication such as penicillin.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of tests that you can help you determine that you or much of your family is allergic. This can be useful information, especially when you’re going to travel or going out with your family when eating. Once you and your family have determined that they’re allergic to, you can take the necessary steps needed in avoiding such allergens or taking the necessary antihistamine drugs to address such symptoms.
After all, safety should always be the first priority when securing your and your family’s health.