Around 44% of people in the UK have allergies, with half of these being allergic to more than one substance . Allergy symptoms can vary widely, from mild but bothersome issues like sneezing and itchy eyes to more severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Understanding what triggers your allergies is the first step toward managing your condition and reducing potential risks. This is why allergy testing plays such a crucial role in achieving better control over your health.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. The immune system mistakes the allergen as a threat and releases chemicals, like histamine, to defend the body. This causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or even anaphylaxis.
Allergies can change over time, sometimes worsening with age or with repeated exposure to the allergen. Allergy panel testing, which involves a blood sample rather than a skin prick test, is often considered the safest method. This approach eliminates the risk of exposing the patient to potentially life-threatening allergens.
“My daughter had a few mild reactions to peanuts when she was a toddler—a red rash around her mouth and a bit of itching. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but I am so grateful I decided to explore this further. After allergy testing, we learned she was actually at high risk for anaphylaxis. Now, she carries epi-pens with her, and because she understands her allergy so much better, she feels confident enough to travel around South-East Asia.”
Types of Allergic Reactions
Hay fever is the most common allergy, affecting around 1 in 5 people, but other allergies, such as those to dust mites, mould, food, and pets, are also widespread—particularly among children. For many, allergy symptoms are bothersome rather than life-threatening, yet they can still significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
Rather than spring and summer being a welcome end to the cold winter months, for thousands of people they herald the start of hay fever and months of sneezing, itchy eyes and wheezing. In more severe cases, allergies to common environmental triggers like dust mites can worsen conditions such as asthma, sometimes leading to emergency hospital visits, and for around 1 in 1000 people, allergies can result in severe or even fatal reactions. The most common triggers of anaphylactic reactions are:
- Bee/wasp stings
- Certain medications (like penicillin)
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Other foods, including eggs
Managing Allergies
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and air filters can help manage symptoms. However, the most effective way to control your allergies is by identifying the specific triggers. This is especially helpful if you have food-related reactions but aren’t sure of the cause—some allergens, like celery, can be found in many foods, and a test could reveal sensitivities you may not have noticed. As around 50% of people with allergies will have more than one, an allergy panel allows for a broad range of substances to be tested for in one convenient test.
How Allergy Testing Helps
Allergy testing can pinpoint the exact allergen, enabling you to avoid it and reduce your symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes that don’t seem related to pollen, a test can also identify other environmental allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mould. Knowing your triggers allows you to make lifestyle changes that can help minimise symptoms year-round.
Haven Medical offers a comprehensive range of allergy panels, providing a convenient and efficient way to identify your allergies through a simple blood test. This test screens for multiple allergens simultaneously, offering valuable insights into your sensitivities.
Key Benefits of an Allergy Panel:
- Safer for High-Risk Individuals: Blood testing eliminates direct contact with allergens, making it a safer option for those at risk of severe allergic reactions.
- Detects a Wide Range of Allergies: By testing the levels of specific antibodies in your blood, the panel can identify not only common allergens but also less obvious triggers, even those that may cause mild reactions.
- Comprehensive Testing: You can test for multiple allergens in one go, giving you a broad overview of what might be affecting you—whether it’s pollen, food, pet dander, or other substances.
- Provides Detailed Insights: The results indicate not just the presence of an allergy, but also the severity, helping you better understand how your body is reacting.
- Ideal for Those with Skin Conditions: For individuals with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions that affect the skin barrier, blood tests provide a more accurate and comfortable alternative to skin prick testing.
Haven Medical offers 17 allergy panels, including one that tests for over 300 common allergens and a specific children’s panel. These tests help identify your specific allergens, providing valuable insights and personalised advice for managing your symptoms effectively.
To find out more about the Haven Medical allergy panels, read more here.
To book an allergy panel call 01202 110303 or email hello@thehavenmedical.com today.