Thursday, September 1, 2011

allergy and diagnosis

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to certain foreign substances from the environment. "Overshoots" is the reaction because the body's immune system overreacts to foreign substances (like pollen) that represent different disease germs really no risk to health.

Allergic reactions are in severity and intensity vary. The symptoms range from runny or stuffy nose and watery eyes itching, rash, eczema to gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints. The extreme variant is the Allergic shock (anaphylaxis), which can lead to circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of allergy made ​​by a specialist (allergist) and is based on several studies, the four pillars of allergy diagnosis.

The history, the doctor-patient dialogue serves as a basis for further investigations. To estimate the risk of personal allergy is asked whether and what the allergies in the family (parents, siblings, children) or are in the past occurred in the patient himself. Some doctors also use this a questionnaire will be completed in advance of each patient. Another way to narrow down the trigger, is completing an allergy diary.

At the close history according to various triggers and medical tests (skin prick test, intradermal test, scratch test and rubbing test) on. This will, depending on the test procedure, samples of possible triggers applied to the skin, scratched or injected. With a positive response form at this point, pustules, or hives.

Following laboratory tests, or alternatively, (blood tests) are performed for specific IgE antibodies. These tests will help with the responsiveness of blood samples and specific sensitization to the tested allergens tested in the laboratory.

The final component of allergy diagnosis, the Nachanamnese and / or provocation tests. Without this last step, not a statement about a specific allergy is possible. Only by bringing an "Nachanamnese" with the questions - Is the patient at all exposed to the allergens? Symptoms and test results fit together? - Can be a clear statement to the treatment and further action will be taken.

Makes no clear statement to the Nachanamnese be tested directly by positive skin tests and / or blood tests determined trigger on the institution with the help of a provocation test.

To find the right doctor

Allergic reactions can be diagnosed by a specialist, an allergist in this case. Allergy is an additional qualification, can purchase a specialist (ear, nose and throat specialists, skin, children, pulmonary specialists or internists). Select according to your doctor and pay attention to complaints from the Allergology.

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