Allergy Blood Tests Explained: Symptoms, Types, and Prevention Tips

Allergy Blood Tests Explained: Symptoms, Types, and Prevention Tips

Ever wondered why some of us start sneezing due to dust or breaking out into hives after eating something new? Well, you are not alone, there are millions of people like you around the world. Uncontrollable sneezing, rashes, itchy eyes or sudden swelling of a body part could be signs of allergy. Allergies are nothing but an overreaction of our immune system to a foreign substance, which may or may not be harmful to your body. Some of these allergic reactions go away within minutes on their own, while others need medication. 

What Is An Allergy Test?

An allergy test basically indicates your body’s response to an allergic reaction by measuring the total amount of IgE antibodies in your blood. Allergies happen when you eat, inhale, or touch something that your body considers a harmful substance, and your immune system tries to get rid of it. If you have developed skin reactions such as rash, swelling, or itching in some parts of the body, or respiratory reactions such as sneezing, or find it difficult to breathe, it could be in response to an allergy. 

Your body can be allergic to almost everything from pollen to food, animals or even medicines. That's why allergy tests are designed to detect if your body has developed any form of reaction when it comes into contact with a foreign object. These tests help in creating a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of the reaction.

Types of Allergy Test

The allergy blood test indicates an allergic reaction by measuring the amount of antibodies in your blood but does not identify the causes of the allergy. Additional tests are required to find out the allergens.There are basically two tests that a doctor suggests to determine what type of allergy you have and what medication will work best in that situation.

• Complete blood count test: The purpose of conducting a CBS test is to find out the presence of eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell, produced in response to parasitic infection and allergens.

• IgE total antibodies test: While an IgE test checks for antibodies produced in response to allergies or infections.

The allergy test process takes a little longer than usual blood tests, it takes around 72-hours to get the results from the lab. The test measures the abnormal count of RBCs and WBCs in your blood and also antibody levels. High antibody levels might be a sign of an allergic reaction. To interpret the allergy test results, you must consult a doctor or a health professional. 

Common Allergy Symptoms

Although, by just looking at the symptoms, you cannot determine the type of allergy, you must go for an allergy blood test. However, here are some common symptoms that you may experience when you come in contact with an allergic substance. 

• Skin Rashes

• Hives

• Swollen lips or under eyes

• Itchy Eyes

• Itchy skin

• Cough

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

Common Types of Allergies 

1. Seasonal Allergy: As the name suggests, seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, occur when trees, vines or weeds release their pollen. 

Common Symptoms: You may experience sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes as a symptom of this allergic reaction.

2. Dust Allergy: This reaction takes place when our immune system reacts to the presence of microscopic creatures found in dust. 

Common Symptoms: You may experience sneezing, itchy, red, or watery eyes, asthma like symptoms, or sometimes swelling under the eye.

3. Pet Allergy: It occurs when your immune system reacts to the saliva, urine or dead skin of animals. It’s very common when dogs and cats are around.

Common Symptoms: Hives, sneezing, and rashes on skin are some common symptoms.

4. Food Allergy: This happens when your immune system reacts to a food or to a particular ingredient in food, which could be peanuts, eggs, soy or even milk. 

Common Symptoms: Itching, hives, rashes, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, bloating or even swelling of the lips.

5. Insect Allergy: It can come from bug venom or saliva of insects. In some cases, our immune system overreacts to protein found in the sting, or saliva of these insects. Which can cause minor skin irritation to harmful effects on your health.

Common Symptoms: Allergy caused by insects can be in the form of hives, itching, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Simple Tips to Prevent Yourself from Common types of Allergies

1. Read ingredients carefully before consuming any food, be cautious while ordering food from outside.

2. Consider wearing a mask and a sunglass during pollen season, to prevent pollen from being breathe in.

3. Avoid smoking or don't let anyone smoke close to you.

4. Clean your curtains, carpets, bedsheets and other surfaces to help remove dust, animal dead skin, pollen and other allergens

5. Keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and clean up any mold promptly. 

6. Avoid close contact or getting licked by the pets.

7. In case you develop any symptoms of allergy, take the prescribed medicine before it gets worse.

While we understand it’s next to impossible to avoid allergies, precautions can certainly limit the symptoms. Getting an allergy blood test can make a huge difference, whether you are dealing with seasonal allergies, dust, or food-related triggers, it helps you identify what to avoid and manage your symptoms better. Don't wait longer; book yourself an allergy testing package starting from just ₹462 with Healthians and take control of your health.