Friday, 19 February 2016

How Allergen Immunotherapy Helps to Create an Allergy-Free Immune System

The body’s immune system protects against a number of naturally occurring substances in the atmosphere and desensitizes the body to many environmental factors over time. However in some instances, the immune system responds negatively to substances that are potentially harmless. These specific substances are known as allergens and could induce the system to act against its intrusion with symptoms, eventually giving rise to allergies. The best way to tackle allergies is to investigate what you are allergic to, through tests like the allergy patch test.



Understanding the Various Allergy Tests

A patch test involves applying tiny amounts of specific allergens to a part of the skin, usually the upper back. The allergens are identified using markings made on the skin which makes the responses easier to record as well. The responses triggered by the allergens are controlled and emerge only in the intended area. A skin prick test introduces the allergen into the skin by pricking the skin after placing a small amount of allergen beforehand. This procedure will also elicit a localized response in the form of redness in the area or a bump. The visible responses will be recorded so that the health care professional can interpret it in correlation with other recordings.

The Treatment Protocol

Once the precise allergens responsible for the allergies are identified, a treatment course can be charted. Allergen immuno therapy can be carried out in the form of allergy shots which will decrease many of the symptoms and allow patients to live a normal life. People who suffer from allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis or asthma may also be prescribed medications to alleviate the symptoms. In specific cases like Allergies During Pregnancy, the healthcare expert will need to be consulted to ensure the medications taken will not harm a growing baby in any way