Category: allergy
Everything you need to know about inhalant allergies and allergy testing
For many people, it is a daily struggle: allergic reactions without knowing the cause. From sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious symptoms such as asthma and breathing problems. Finding the source of your allergies can be challenging, but it is essential to improving your health.
In this blog, we explain how you can use allergy testing to find the cause of your symptoms.
Please note that this blog focuses specifically on inhalant allergies, such as allergies to pollen, dust mites and animal hair, and not allergies to food or insect stings, which can also be the cause of allergies.
Tim's story: a search for answers
We recently received an inquiry from Tim, who struggles daily with allergic symptoms and asthmatic symptoms. Tim does not know exactly what is causing his symptoms and decided to contact us. He had visited our allergy test page and wondered about the difference between the various tests and which test would best suit his situation.
Tim noted that allergy screening costs €39, while follow-up testing costs €176. In addition, he saw that specific tests are available for €29 each and wanted to know what is the best screening for someone who is constantly allergic.
The role of allergy testing in inhalant allergies
Inhalant allergies are caused by allergens you breathe in, such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair and mold. Allergy tests are designed to determine if your immune system is hypersensitive to these specific substances. By taking an allergy test, you can gain insight into which inhalant allergens are causing your symptoms so you can take targeted steps to avoid or treat them.
Which allergy test suits you?
At Blood Value Testing, we offer different types of allergy tests depending on your symptoms and suspicions. Below is an overview of the options available, based on the information we provided Tim:
Allergy Screening
- This is an excellent first step if you suspect you are allergic to inhalant allergens such as dust mites, dogs, cats and pollen.
- This test screens a wide range of allergens and helps determine if further testing is needed.
Vervolgonderzoek:
- If the screening result is positive, you can opt for a follow-up test. This examines a wider range of inhalant allergens, including different types of pollen, molds and animals.
- This comprehensive examination provides a deeper understanding of your allergies and helps develop a treatment plan.
Specific allergy tests
- If you suspect specific allergens are causing your symptoms, you can order targeted tests. For example, if you think you are allergic to cats, you can request the test for cat allergy only.
- This option is useful if you already have an idea of what you may be allergic to and don't need extensive screening.
IgE inhalation mix test:
- This test examines for 42 different inhalant allergens, including various trees, grasses, pets and fungi.
- This is a comprehensive test that covers a broad spectrum of possible inhalant allergens and can help identify the specific cause of your allergic reactions and asthmatic symptoms.
What if your allergies are not caused by inhalation?
Your allergic reactions may not be caused by inhalant allergens, but by other triggers such as food or insect stings. Bloodtesting.nl.com offers several tests for this as well:
Voedselallergietesten:
- If you suspect you are allergic to certain foods, you can take a food allergy test. These tests can help determine if your immune system is hypersensitive to specific foods such as nuts, dairy or gluten.
Insect allergy tests
- For people who are allergic to insect stings, such as bees or wasps, we offer specific tests. These tests can help confirm whether you are allergic to certain insect toxins.
Combination tests
- Combination tests are also available that identify both inhalation and food allergies. This can be useful if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms.
What can you do after getting your test results?
Once your test results are in and you know which inhalant allergens you are hypersensitive to, you can take targeted measures to reduce your exposure to them. Here are some tips:
- House dust mite allergy: Ensure a regular cleaning regime, use anti-allergenic covers for your bedding and consider air purifiers.
- Pet allergy: Limit your contact with pets, ensure good ventilation and consider making certain rooms in the house pet-free.
- Pollen allergy: Keep windows closed during pollen season, shower and change clothes after outdoor activities and use air purifiers.
- Food allergy: Avoid foods to which you are allergic, read labels carefully and consult with a dietitian for a balanced diet.
- Insect allergy: Avoid areas where there are many insects, wear protective clothing and have emergency medication such as an EpiPen if you are severely allergic.
In addition, you can always consult with your doctor or an allergist for additional treatments, such as medication or immunotherapy.
Learn more about food allergies
Want to learn more about how to test for food allergies and which foods are safe for you? Then visit our special page What can I eat? Here you will find extensive information about food allergies, safe foods and how to maintain a healthy diet despite your allergies.
In addition, we have written an informative blog on identifying your trigger foods: Do you know your trigger foods? This blog will help you step by step in discovering which foods can trigger allergic reactions in you and how to avoid them.
Conclusion
Finding out the cause of your allergies is a crucial step in improving your quality of life. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, we are ready to help you with a range of reliable allergy tests, for inhalation allergies as well as food and insect allergies. Whether you need a general screening or targeted testing, we offer solutions to suit your needs.
Still have questions or want to order a test? Visit our website or contact us. We are here to help you on your path to an allergy-free life.