Repeated sneezing, itching, red eyes or irritated skin? These symptoms are often associated with an allergic reaction. But you still need to know what you're allergic to. Nowadays, allergen testing makes it possible to precisely identify the substances responsible for your reactions, and to take the right steps to avoid them. Here is everything you need to know to treat your allergies once and for all.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is a substance that provokes an immune system reaction in certain people. Pollen, dust mites, food, cosmetics... they're everywhere! For sensitive people, these elements trigger symptoms such as itching, sneezing or redness. Identifying your allergens is the key to a better daily life. An allergen test can greatly help you know what to avoid.
What is the list of main allergens?
Various substances can cause allergies. Here are a few examples.
- Pollens: The term "seasonal allergies" is used to refer to allergies to grass pollens (e.g., hay or turf), trees/shrubs or ragweed.
- Food: A food allergy can evolve from a mild to a very severe reaction. In the worst cases, it can cause anaphylactic shock and even death. Many foods can cause allergies: nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk, soy, etc.
- Drugs: While some individuals are genuinely allergic to drugs (e.g., penicillin), others have more of an intolerance (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, etc.).
- Pet allergens: These small allergenic particles, carried by animal hair or feathers, are found in dogs and cats. Other animals can also cause allergies: horses, rabbits, birds, hamsters, etc.
- Dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic animals belonging to the spider family. Invisible to the naked eye, they can be found in various parts of the home: bedding, mattresses, cushions, curtains, etc.
- Moulds: These are microscopic fungi that grow in damp, dark, poorly ventilated places: bathrooms, basements, air conditioners, etc. Molds release allergy-inducing spores into the atmosphere.
- Plants: Some outdoor or indoor plants can be allergenic. This is the case with ragweed, a widespread weed that often causes a severe skin reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis.
- Metals: Metals with allergenic potential include nickel, chromium and cobalt. They most often cause cutaneous (skin) symptoms.
- Sun: Allergy sufferers develop itching, redness, rashes and swelling where skin has been exposed to the sun.
It can be difficult to know exactly what you're allergic to. Sometimes, the context and nature of the signs and symptoms, as well as their duration and intensity, can help guide the diagnosis.
Tip: Ask your doctor for a medical diagnosis based on further examination and tests. Allergen testing may be deemed useful or necessary at the physician's discretion.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an excessive allergic reaction of the immune system to an allergen. Although harmless to most people, this substance is perceived as a threat by the sensitized organism. Result: the body releases histamine and other inflammatory agents, causing various allergy symptoms such as redness, itching or respiratory problems.
For such a reaction to occur, the body must have been exposed at least once to the allergen, which activates the production of specific IgE antibodies. Allergic manifestations can range from simple temporary discomfort to severe reactions which, in rare extreme cases, can cause death. Understanding this mechanism is essential to properly target tests and ensure adequate support.
What are the signs and symptoms of an allergy?
This generally depends on the type of allergy. Here are the signs and symptoms most frequently observed or experienced:
- Nasal discharge;
- Sneezing;
- Nasal congestion;
- Dry cough;
- Tearing;
- Itching of the eyes, nose, palate or skin;
- Redness of the eyes or skin;
- Skin rashes (e.g., urticaria or small pimples);
In the case of severe allergies, such as those related to food, severe symptoms may occur, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or face, tightening of the throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or anaphylactic shock.
What are the steps to follow for optimal allergy management?
- The first step to good allergy management is to identify the allergen responsible for the manifestations. In the event of unexplained allergy symptoms, it is essential to observe the circumstances: for example, have you been in contact with an animal, plants, a damp place or unusual chemicals or food products?
- It's also important to assess the duration and frequency of the symptoms: do they only appear in certain seasons? Are they occasional or persistent? These clues are invaluable in directing your doctor or your health care professional to the right type of allergy test.
- Once the allergen has been identified, avoid exposure as much as possible. This may involve eliminating certain products, modifying your environment or undergoing desensitization under the supervision of an allergist.
In all cases, a medical appointment remains essential to obtain the results of a reliable analysis and build an effective strategy against your allergic reactions.
Where to take allergy tests in Quebec?
In the event of allergy symptoms, it is advisable to start by consulting your pharmacist. Suitable products, such as an antihistamine, nasal spray, skin cream or even an injectable device like EpiPen®, may be recommended.
If your allergic symptoms are more intense than normal, see a specialist doctor, such as an allergist or immuno-allergist for skin tests, blood tests or patch tests.
How does an allergy test work?
The most common allergen test is the skin test performed on the forearm. A small amount of allergen is applied to the skin surface using control products, and local reactions are observed. Redness, swelling or itching at the point of application may indicate an allergic reaction. The test takes 15 to 20 minutes to read by a health care professional. In some cases, blood tests to measure specific IgE antibodies may complete the analysis.
How much does a full allergy test cost?
The price of an allergy test can vary depending on the type of test, the number of allergens tested, and the region of Quebec. Skin tests are often covered when prescribed by a requesting physician. In private clinics, a full test can cost between $150 and $400. Blood tests and patch tests, on the other hand, may require additional fees, especially if they involve detailed IgE antibody analysis.
How do I treat an allergy?
There is no complete "cure" for allergies, but there are several options for managing them.
- Avoid the offending allergen, that's the first step! But other solutions such as antihistamines, corticosteroids or topical products can help relieve allergy symptoms.
- In some cases, desensitization by regular intake of allergen extracts is recommended, under the supervision of a specialist. This approach can significantly reduce allergic reactions over the long term.
How do you know which allergy you have?
Only an allergy test carried out by a health care professional can give you a clear answer. After analyzing your allergy symptoms, your doctor may refer you for skin, topical or blood tests. Interpreting the results between the allergens makes it possible to identify the allergens responsible for the symptoms. This structured approach, together with an appointment with a specialist, is essential to guide your treatment.
Not sure about an allergy? Ask your pharmacist for advice on allergen testing to prevent allergy symptoms.
