Edit Content
About Us
Services
Family Planning
Health Screening
Promotion
Little Doctor
Contact Us

Understanding Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Are you frequently experiencing sneezing, itching or congestion? Do certain foods or environmental factors trigger uncomfortable reactions in your body? If so, you might be among the millions worldwide who suffer from allergies. We understand the impact allergies can have on your daily life, we are here to shed light on this common condition and discuss effective ways to manage it.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is when your immune system reacts abnormally to substances that are normally harmless (allergen). Allergies can be influenced by both genetics and the environment. There are three primary types of allergens:

  • Inhaled allergens
  • Ingested allergens
  • Contact allergens

All the above are the causes of allergic reaction. They can enter your body through the respiratory systems, skin or digestive tract, depending on their type. Common allergens include:

  • Tree and grass pollen (hay fever)
  • House dust mites
  • Foods, such as peanuts, milk, eggs and shellfish
  • Animal fur, particularly from pets like cats and dogs
  • Insect bites and stings, such as bee and wasp stings

What are the symptoms of allergy?

What are the symptoms of allergy?

  • Sneezing and itchy, runny or stuff nose (rhinitis)
  • Itchy, red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Red and itchy rashes (dermatitis, eczema)
  • Hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the throat, face, lips or other parts of the body
  • Asthma attack
  • Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
WhatsApp Us

Genetic factors/family history plays a significant role in the development of food allergies. According to MyHealth portal, Ministry of Health Malaysia, if one parent has allergies, the likelihood of a child having a food allergy ranges from 20% to 40%, and if a sibling has an allergy, it increases to 25% to 35%. Having both parents with allergies raises the probability to 40% to 60%, and if both parents have the same type of allergy, it goes even higher to 50% to 80%. Even when parents do not have food allergies, there is still a 5% to 15% chance of the child experiencing food allergies.

How are allergies diagnosed?

If you suspect you have allergies, seeking a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away, if your symptoms last longer than a week or two or tend to come back during certain times of the year, make an appointment with doctor to do a allergy test.

There are different types of allergy tests. The most common allergy tests are blood test and skin prick test.

Blood Test

Measures specific IgE antibodies in the blood to identify allergen sensitization.

Skin Prick Test

Small amount of allergen extracts are applied to the skin, and the reaction is observed.

Patch Test

Test for contact allergies by applying potential allergens on patches placed on the skin.

Prevention and Treatment Option

While allergies cannot be cured, there are several strategies to prevent allergic reactions and alleviate symptoms effectively. These include:

Avoiding allergens

Identifying and avoiding triggers wherever possible is the first line of defense against allergic reactions.

Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, for example, Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids and allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy shots, also know as immunotherapy, involve gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of allergens to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactions over time. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe allergies or those who do not respond well to other treatments.

Emergency Action Plan

for individuals with high risk of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, having an emergency action plan in place is essential. This plan should include the prompt administration of epinephrine (EpiPen) and seeking immediate medical attention.

 

Your body is unique and what works for one person in terms of over-the-counter or prescription medications may not be as effective for you. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific needs. 

Don’t let allergies control your life! Take back control with an Allergy Test! By identifying your specific triggers, you can better manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Schedule an appointment with us today to take proactive steps towards a healthier, symptom-free life.

Consult Our Doctors

Speak to our doctors today to understand more about these medical services.

WhatsApp Us

Copyright © 2023 Convemed Diagnostic Sdn. Bhd. (1423443-A). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Web Design by O2O eCommerce

Scroll to Top