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ASK THE DOCTOR hay fever
Published Date
05 June 2007
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Q1: I have always suffered with hay fever, irrespective of the season or country I live in. I remember having skin tests as a child in South Africa, Are there any other tests to find out what I am allergic to?
A1: Yes, there are. Firstly, it sounds like you are being exposed to the allergen (the substance causing the reaction in your body) the whole time. This would indicate that it is most likely a substance that you are ingesting (e.g. food), inhaling (e.g. dust, mould) or coming into contact with (e.g. soap, detergent, deodorant, dog or cat hair ) The aim is to reduce exposure to the allergen.
MediClinic offers allergy testing as part of their comprehensive private GP service. During consultation you and the doctor will attempt to identify possible allergens that are responsible for your symptoms. Afterwards, the doctor will take a blood sample from you, and the results will be available in two days. Tests for individual allergens start from £29. Full inhalation and food allergy profiles cost up to £300. A plan regarding your allergy symptoms will be made, and referral will be considered.
MediClinic has access to private immunologists that offer immunotherapy or desensitisation in certain cases.
Q2: Will my allergies ever go away?
A2: Although children do 'outgrow' some allergies, adults usually do not. Allergies that cause the worst reactions, such as anaphylaxis caused by peanuts, do not usually go away. Avoidance of the allergen and advance preparation for accidental exposure, in the form of medications such as antihistamines and portable adrenaline injections, is the safest course. Immunotherapy can help decrease symptoms for some unavoidable allergies, but does not work for food allergies and the treatment is very time consuming usually consisting of years of regular injections.
Q3: I was told I am allergic to Penicillin as a child, after developing a rash, can I confirm this?
A3: Yes. Penicillin allergy occurs in 1-10% of patients taking the drug. However life-threatening problems are rare. Allergy to Penicillin is over diagnosed, and can cause potential problems later on in life or in the event of severe infections.
MediClinic can perform blood tests that test for four different kinds of Penicillin to check for allergy. Remember, even if you get a negative result, we recommend that you take Penicillin under close medical supervision to observe for any reaction that is not mediated by the immune system!
A1: Yes, there are. Firstly, it sounds like you are being exposed to the allergen (the substance causing the reaction in your body) the whole time. This would indicate that it is most likely a substance that you are ingesting (e.g. food), inhaling (e.g. dust, mould) or coming into contact with (e.g. soap, detergent, deodorant, dog or cat hair ) The aim is to reduce exposure to the allergen.
MediClinic offers allergy testing as part of their comprehensive private GP service. During consultation you and the doctor will attempt to identify possible allergens that are responsible for your symptoms. Afterwards, the doctor will take a blood sample from you, and the results will be available in two days. Tests for individual allergens start from £29. Full inhalation and food allergy profiles cost up to £300. A plan regarding your allergy symptoms will be made, and referral will be considered.
MediClinic has access to private immunologists that offer immunotherapy or desensitisation in certain cases.
Q2: Will my allergies ever go away?
A2: Although children do 'outgrow' some allergies, adults usually do not. Allergies that cause the worst reactions, such as anaphylaxis caused by peanuts, do not usually go away. Avoidance of the allergen and advance preparation for accidental exposure, in the form of medications such as antihistamines and portable adrenaline injections, is the safest course. Immunotherapy can help decrease symptoms for some unavoidable allergies, but does not work for food allergies and the treatment is very time consuming usually consisting of years of regular injections.
Q3: I was told I am allergic to Penicillin as a child, after developing a rash, can I confirm this?
A3: Yes. Penicillin allergy occurs in 1-10% of patients taking the drug. However life-threatening problems are rare. Allergy to Penicillin is over diagnosed, and can cause potential problems later on in life or in the event of severe infections.
MediClinic can perform blood tests that test for four different kinds of Penicillin to check for allergy. Remember, even if you get a negative result, we recommend that you take Penicillin under close medical supervision to observe for any reaction that is not mediated by the immune system!
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