Food allergy testing is a process used to determine if a person has an allergy or sensitivity to certain foods. There are several methods for testing food allergies, including skin prick tests, blood tests (such as IgE antibody tests), and oral food challenges. Alternatively to food allergy testing, there is no available testing for food intolerances.
In the world of dietary concerns and health-conscious eating, terms like "food allergies" and "food intolerance" are frequently used. However, these terms represent distinct physiological reactions with varying degrees of severity and implications for individuals' diets. Understanding the key differences between food allergies and food intolerance is crucial for effective management and improved well-being.
Living in a world surrounded by various environmental factors, our bodies often come into contact with allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. Among these allergens, environmental inhalants such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are common culprits. Allergy skin testing is a vital diagnostic tool to identify specific allergens triggering adverse reactions in individuals. In this article, we share the process of allergy skin testing for environmental inhalants, shedding light on its significance, procedure, and implications.
When the sniffles and sneezes set in, it's easy to jump to conclusions about whether you're battling seasonal allergies or a common cold. While the symptoms may seem similar, the causes, duration, and treatments for allergies and colds differ significantly. In this blog post, we'll explore the nuances between allergies and the common cold to help you navigate through the confusion and better understand your body's reactions.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by your skin's reaction to an allergen or irritant in your environment. The rash is characterized by redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin, and can be an unwelcome and perplexing experience. It is often indistinguishable from eczema and may require a thorough history and exam by your physician to make a clear diagnosis. Identifying the specific substances responsible for these allergic reactions is crucial for effective management. One diagnostic method that plays a pivotal role in this process is patch testing. In this article we will explore the world of patch testing, unraveling its purpose, methodology, benefits, and how it aids in the detection of contact dermatitis triggers.
Eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and itching, affects millions of people worldwide. While it is considered one of the classic allergic diseases, the nature of the relationship between specific allergens and eczema remains unclear. Researchers and healthcare professionals have identified various factors that can trigger eczema flare-ups. Understanding these triggers is crucial for individuals managing eczema, as it empowers them to make informed lifestyle choices and adopt effective preventive measures.
As the chilly winds start to blow and the temperatures drop, so does our immune system's resilience, making us more susceptible to colds and the flu. Cold and flu season can be a challenging time for many, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these seasonal maladies. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips to help you stay healthy during the cold and flu season.
The toxic algae bloom known as Red Tide has left a trail of dead fish in its wake up the western coast of Florida. The bloom that had been wreaking havoc on our southern neighbors has now made its way to the Tampa Bay area. High concentrations of the algae have been found in water samples at several local beaches, and beachgoers are seeing and smelling the effects. Many allergy and asthma sufferers have been feeling symptoms for weeks.
The year 2017 was a year of intense and impactful weather occurrences: hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires, flooding, mudslides, avalanches. Every year seems to bring us more hurricanes, more devastating forest fires, more infectious disease outbreaks like Zika, more bomb cyclones and other severe weather events. And we must be aware of the deleterious effects that this changing climate is having on our health.
The holidays are filled with fun, family, friends and lots of food. With a variety of foods comes a variety of symptoms that people experience.
At the holiday dinner, Maria ate a bite of the pumpkin-shrimp bruschetta and within 10 minutes developed swollen lips and began vomiting. At the same meal, Linda devoured the creamed corn and later that evening experienced bloating and diarrhea. Paula savored the cranberry-cherry sauce and immediately felt the roof of her mouth begin to itch. All three women went to see a doctor because they thought they had a food allergy.