When is the best time to check for allergens in allergic asthma?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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The best time to check for allergens in allergic asthma is still during an asthma attack. At this time, due to the body's strong immune response to external allergens, also referred to as a hypersensitive reaction, checking for allergens can likely yield some positive results.

However, there are many methods for screening allergens, such as drawing blood to check for IgE antibodies, or using skin prick tests to assess reactions to different allergens. However, if it is during the acute phase of an asthma attack, it is recommended to use the blood drawing method, which is relatively safer. Using skin prick tests might exacerbate the patient's allergic reaction, and may even lead to an acute asthma attack, or severe asthmatic conditions.

Therefore, there are significant considerations to be made when choosing different methods for allergen testing.

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How to test for allergens in allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is a subtype of bronchial asthma. As the name suggests, allergic asthma refers to asthma symptoms that are related to contact with external allergens, such as dust, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc. When these substances are inhaled into the trachea, they can trigger asthma symptoms. Clinically, when testing which substances a patient is allergic to, it is called allergen testing. Common methods include blood tests and skin prick tests, which can be combined for comparison to identify the allergens.

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Have you checked for allergens for allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a disease characterized by an allergic reaction to external substances. Since it involves allergies to external substances, it is necessary to identify what triggers the allergy, generally requiring an allergen test. Without testing the causes of allergies, the treatment is merely based on experience or a clinical diagnosis lacking in etiological understanding, which is insufficient from a pathological perspective. Moreover, after identifying the allergens, medication can be tailored according to the allergens, or general advice can be given to the patients, such as avoiding certain allergy-inducing substances. For instance, mangoes are commonly known to trigger allergies, and so are fish and seafood, thus specific guidance can be provided to avoid consuming certain foods.

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Drug allergy symptoms

Drug allergies mainly manifest as skin itching, red rash, and papules; severe cases may experience ulceration, exfoliative dermatitis, in the respiratory system it may present as nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, and laryngeal edema; in the digestive system, patients may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by joint pain and swelling, immune dysfunction, and the occurrence of allergic purpura. Some drug allergies can cause neurological reactions, such as dizziness and headaches. When a drug allergy occurs, immediately stop using the suspected medication, and simultaneously take anti-allergy medications such as loratadine, cetirizine, or administer diphenhydramine via muscular injection. Oral intake of compound glycyrrhizin capsules may be considered. If there is laryngeal edema, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital, actively manage the allergy, and severe cases may require a tracheotomy for rescue. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor, and medications should not be used without authorization.)

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Symptoms of alcohol allergy shock

Patients with an allergy to alcohol can experience allergic shock, exhibiting symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, a sensation of throat blockage, breathing difficulties, and a flushed face. Additional symptoms include dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, numbness in the face and limbs, and circulatory system failure, indicated by chills, cold sweats, cyanosis, restlessness, a weak pulse, and even a drop in blood pressure. Some patients may also experience loss of consciousness, coma, convulsions, and incontinence. Due to the alcohol allergy, patients may show allergic reactions like skin itching, hives, or other rashes. A minority of patients may also have abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, and fever.

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Symptoms of baby food allergies

Babies generally start adding supplementary food between four to six months old. Some children may exhibit symptoms after introducing additional foods, which resemble those caused by allergies. These symptoms primarily appear on the skin, in the oral cavity, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. They might present in one area or multiple areas. The most common symptoms include constipation, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain. Additionally, manifestations on the skin can include eczema, severe cases may develop urticaria or other types of allergic dermatitis.