Diagnosis

Allergies, simply put are adverse reactions occurring to otherwise harmless environmental factors. Allergies are caused by anything under the sun, including the sun. Common allergens include pollens, moulds, dust mites, common foods, insect stings and bites, air borne inhalants, yeast, fungal spores and in some cases certain drugs and cosmetics.

There is growing evidence that the prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing globally, including in the Asia-Pacific region. Estimates suggest that 20% to 30% of the world’s population suffers from some form of allergic disease. Allergy is a common and often unrecognized cause of respiratory illness among primary care patients. For example, data from China show that more than 50% of primary care patients with cough have a history of atopic illness. Yet, cross-country studies show a consistent trend towards underdiagnosis of allergic diseases.

Diseases often keep developing slowly and silently in the body. In most cases the actual disease process begins much earlier than it becomes apparent and it is at these initial stages that the disease, If detected can be prevented or managed effectively.

Common tests include

– In-vitro allergy test
– Skin prick test
– Patch allergy test
– Autologous serum test

Prevention/Avoidance

Management

When we do see an allergic reaction, most of the time it is usually minor with symptoms that can often include one or many of the below symptoms including:

• Hives on the neck or face
• Light to moderate itching
• Runny or congested nose
• Rash on the skin, especially where something you are allergic to touched you
• Red eyes
• Slight discomfort

With some cases, allergic reactions can be more severe and include symptoms such as:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Difficulty breathing, or breath coming with a wheezing sound
• Tight chest
• Moderate to extreme discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling of eyes, lips, or tongue
• Trouble swallowing
• Heart palpitations
• Loss of consciousness

When it comes to the more severe symptoms of an allergic reaction, like trouble breathing and swelling of throat/eyes/mouth, this is commonly referred to as anaphylactic shock and it is essential that you seek medical care at an emergency room ASAP. Many people that have an established allergy will often carry an EpiPen with them. EpiPens are a device that inject epinephrine (pure adrenaline) directly into the body in order to help open airways and keep them open long enough for that person to get to a hospital.

Immunotheraphy

 

Immunotek

Inmunotek is a pharmaceutical company based in Madrid, which develops, manufactures and markets products for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of allergy and immunology, both for human and veterinary pathology.

Lofarma

Lofarma is a leading pharmaceutical company performing research, development, production and marketing activities in the field of specific immunotherapy and diagnostics for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases.