Allergies

Is it likely that I have an allergy?

Many people believe that allergies are responsible for their symptoms. Up to 40% of the population have a sensitivity to common triggers such as dust mites, pollen or Pets especially cats.

I know I have allergies so why do I need an allergy test?

Common symptoms blamed on allergies can include itchy eyes and skin, abdominal pain and bloating, wheezing, coughing or a runny nose. However, factors other than allergies can also trigger your symptoms. Allergy tests such as Imutest are safe and easy for you to use at home and can identify whether you have a sensitivity to common triggers such as dust mites, pollen, pets and some foods.

How common is allergy?

Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting 23 million people in the UK. Allergies are a major trigger of asthma and eczema with 4 out of 10 school children having at least one allergy.

What is the hygiene hypothesis?

Some experts believe that the increased levels of cleanliness in our society results in less exposure to infections during childhood. Your immune system therefore looks for other agents to attack ie. allergens such as pollenand dust mites explaining why allergies are increasing in our society.

Some people can have very serious reactions allergic reactions - for example to peanuts, is this the same type of allergy that I have with my hay fever?
Yes, the process underlying the reaction is the same. However, some people have more severe reactions to allergens than others.

My doctor says I am atopic, what does that mean?

This generally means that you have high levels of IgE or high levels of specific IgE antibodies to the most common allergens such as dust mites, pollens and pets. Remarkably, more than 9 out of 10 people with allergies are sensitive to at least one of these three allergens.

I think I have a food allergy or intolerance - do I have to test for 100s of different foods to find out what I am sensitive to?

Three of the most common food allergies or intolerances are triggered by milk, eggs or wheat. Of course you may be sensitive to other foods. Usually your doctor can help you pin point a specific sensitivity through your clinical history perhaps aided by a few specific food tests. The only way to conclusively identify a food allergy or intolerance is through an elimination diet under close supervision by your doctor or allergy specialist.

Will my children inherit my allergies?

Parents with allergies, asthma and eczema are at a higher risk of having children that will also develop allergic diseases. Basically, if both parents are normal then the risk of your child getting allergies is about 10 to 20%. If one parent has allergies then the risk is about 50% and if both parents have allergies then the risk can be as high as 80%. Unfortunately, there is no clear advice that can be given at this time to help you reduce these risks. However, your doctor can advise you on general ways to maintain your health during your pregnancy.

What is the point in allergy testing?

Once you know what you are sensitive to, you can confidently seek medical advice and take appropriate action to reduce or possibly eliminate your symptoms by avoiding the allergen that you are sensitive to.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerances?

When someone has IgE allergy antibodies that react with specific foods they may also have food allergy symptoms. Food intolerance, on the other hand, can be caused by a wide range of triggers some of which are psychological such as a dislike of a particular foods texture or flavour. People with a sensitivity to wheat may in fact have coeliac disease - this is usually diagnosed by a taking a small sample of the intestine for study in the laboratory. Some people with intolerances to dairy products may have lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk. People with a specific deficiency of the enzyme lactase may have symptoms associated with lactose intolerance after they drink milk. The only laboratory tests for food intolerance commonly used in NHS hospitals in the UK are those for coeliac disease, lactose intolerance and tests that detect IgE antibodies such as RAST type tests.

Do your allergy symptoms just occur or worsen during the warmer summer months?

If yes then you may have a sensitivity to grass pollen. This can be checked with the Imutest Hay Fever allergy test kit.

Do you have the allergy symptoms all year round?

If yes then dust mites may be a trigger, your sensitivity can be confirmed with an Imutest Dust Mite allergy test.

Do your symptoms worsen after contact with pets?

If yes then you may be sensitive to pet hair or their skin scales - this can be checked with Imutest Cat allergy test kit.

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