What triggers an allergy?

However, a negative skin test result might not necessarily mean you are not allergic to a certain substance, in the same way that a positive result alone is not enough to conclude that you are truly allergic to that substance

Allergies are often discovered during childhood and cases may vary from one person to another. In some situations, allergies are caused by genetics but that doesn’t mean manifestations are identical.

“Just because your father was allergic to shrimp doesn’t necessarily mean you are, too. You may be allergic to another type of food or to another type of substance with a completely different type of presentation from your parent,” Fatima Johanna Santos-Ocampo, a doctor at the Allergology and Immunology of Makati Medical Center, said.

An allergy, she explains, occurs when certain parts of an individual’s immune system are activated against substances it considers as harmful, even if it isn’t.

Santos-Ocampo further explained, “The immune system reacts in a number of ways: some minor (itchy rashes on the skin, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes) others more life-threatening (nausea or vomiting, chest tightness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness).”

Factors such as dust, eggs, metal, penicillin, pollens, cats, shellfish and peanuts may sound like random words strung together but are actually some of the most common triggers of allergy.

The first step to dealing with it is to go for a proper evaluation. It will also determine if the condition is likely an allergy or not. Second, the initial evaluation will help both the doctor and patient which further test is suitable for the patient.

But before taking either the skin prick test or an intradermal test, expect your doctor to inquire about your lifestyle, family medical history, and any medications you are currently taking.

Santos-Ocampo pointed out, “Over-the-counter antihistamines need to be discontinued as these may interfere with the results of the test while the decision to temporarily stop taking your prescription medicines needs to be discussed with your doctors.”

However, a negative skin test result might not necessarily mean you are not allergic to a certain substance, in the same way, that a positive result alone is not enough to conclude that you are truly allergic to that substance.

After careful evaluation, the doctors would recommend medications and often advise patients to change lifestyle habits to prevent the specific allergen in doing more effects on their bodies.

“If you can identify what you’re allergic to, you will be in the best position to manage the symptoms, and in a lot of instances, avoid them completely,” Dr. Santos-Ocampo reiterated.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NICK KARVOUNIS/UNSPLASH SHELLFISH is a common allergen.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KATHERINE CHASE/UNSPLASH PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARTA MATYSZCZYK/UNSPLASH EXPERTS usually refer to pollen allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis. EGG allergy is the most common food hypersensitivity in children.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MAKATI MED ALLERGY can cause itchiness or runny nose.