What is an Allergy?

Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance is called an allergen.

What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?

First, a person is exposed to an allergen by inhaling it, swallowing it, or getting it on or under their skin. After a person is exposed to the allergen, a series of events within the immune system creates the allergic reaction.

What are the Causes & Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction?

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to inhaled or skin allergens include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny nose
• Rashes
• Feeling tired or ill
• Hives (a rash with raised red patches)

Other exposures can cause different allergic reactions:

• Food allergies. An allergic reaction to food allergens can also cause stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea. Common food allergens in children include: cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans & wheat. Common food allergens in adults include: peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustaceans (such as shrimp, crabs & lobsters), mollusks (such as clams, oysters & mussels), fruits & vegetables.
• Insect stings. The allergic reaction to a sting from a bee or other insect causes local swelling, redness, and pain.

The severity of allergic reactions’ symptoms can vary widely:

• Mild symptoms may be almost unnoticeable, just making you feel a little “off.”
• Moderate symptoms can make you feel ill, as if you’ve got a cold or even the flu.
• Severe allergic reactions are extremely uncomfortable, even incapacitating.

Most symptoms of an allergic reaction go away shortly after the exposure stops.

The most severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. In anaphylaxis, allergens cause a whole-body allergic reaction that can include:

• Hives and itching all over (not just in the exposed area)
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Hoarseness or tightness in the throat
• Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis & Tests

1. Doctor’s Examination – Immunological Assessment

An important part of diagnosing allergies is a careful evaluation of a patient’s symptoms. In addition to asking questions, the doctor will perform a complete physical exam including skin, eyes, nose, ears, and throat. A doctor will look for inflammation (redness or swelling), drainage, or other signs of allergy symptoms.

2. Blood Tests for Allergies

These are performed to find out what triggers an allergic reaction and are often used if a patient has a skin condition or is taking medications, such as antihistamines.

Blood tests for allergies include ‘the radioallergosorbent test (RAST)’ and ‘the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test’. In both, a small amount of blood is taken from the allergy sufferer and analyzed for allergic antibodies to specific antigens.

3. Skin Testing for Allergies

Skin testing for allergies is used to identify the substances that are causing allergy symptoms. It is often performed by applying an extract of an allergen to skin, scratching or pricking the skin to allow exposure, and then evaluating the skin's reaction. It may also be done by injecting the allergen under the skin, or by applying it to a patch that is worn on the skin for a specified period of time. The procedure varies depending on what type of allergy skin test a patient is having.

al mokhtabar Allergy Diagnostic Unit

We created a special diagnostic unit for the diagnosis of allergy because of the special nature of allergy as a whole and because its diagnosis is often unclear.

Our allergy diagnostic unit will provide you with the following diagnostic tools for allergy:

1. Physical examination & immunological assessment
2. Allergy skin tests
3. Allergy blood tests

Once a diagnosis is made, we are also able to provide our patients with short and long term vaccines, in addition to sublingual vaccines for children.

Dr. Ashraf Abdel Hamid and Dr. Farid Hamouda operate the unit which is available in 2 of our branches, Gameat El Dowal branch in Mohamdiseen & Midan El Ismailia branch in Heliopolis.

For more information on the days and hours of the unit, please contact our customer care center on 19014.