The Importance of Early Detection: Allergy and Hayfever Testing
Allergy and Hay Fever Testing in Leicestershire
Living with allergies and hay fever can be difficult, but the first step towards effective management is accurate diagnosis. In Market Harborough, Leicestershire, allergy testing is essential for discovering allergens and creating custom treatment plans. Discover how allergy testing in Leicestershire can open the door to a life free from the burdens of allergies.
Understanding Allergies and Hayfever
When your immune system reacts to a food or substance that usually doesn’t cause a reaction in most people, such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander, allergies can develop.
Antibodies are substances made by your immune system. Your immune system produces antibodies that label a specific allergen as harmful even though it is not when you have allergies. Your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system may become inflamed as a result of your immune system’s reaction when you come into contact with the allergen.
What Are the Symptoms
Depending on the allergen, allergy symptoms can affect your skin, digestive system, sinuses, and nasal passages in addition to your airways and nasal passages. Acute to mild allergic reactions are possible. In some extreme circumstances, allergies can result in a potentially fatal reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Hayfever, also called rhinitis, can cause:
- Sneezing
- Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
- Runny and/or stuffy nose
- Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
Food allergy can cause:
- Tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis
Insect sting allergy can cause:
- A large area of swelling (oedema) at the site
- Itching or hives all over the body
- Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis
Drug allergy can cause:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Rash
- Facial swelling
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause the skin to:
- Itch
- Redden
- Flake or peel
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be caused by some allergies, such as food and insect sting allergies. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal medical emergency that can send you into shock.
Symptoms and signs include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Severe breathlessness
- Skin rash
- Lightheadedness
- A rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
When to Seek Medical Help
If you have symptoms that you believe to be related to an allergy and over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t helping, you should probably visit your doctor. Call the doctor who prescribed the medication as soon as you experience any symptoms after starting a new one.
For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others), give yourself a shot right away – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first.
Even if the symptoms improve after the injector, you should still go to the emergency department to make sure symptoms don’t return when the effects of the injection wear off.
How We Can Help with Allergy Testing
At Mistrys Pharmacy, we are aware of how hay fever and allergies can affect your daily life. We are dedicated to offering complete services to assist you in correctly diagnosing and treating your allergies.
We are available to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your journey. Our helpful staff is always here to help, whether you have questions, need more details or need help managing your medications.
This blog post was written on behalf of Mistrys Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
