Sneezing, runny or bleeding nose, itching: these are some of the alarm bells of the presence of an allergy. Only a test can confirm the doubt, but not all currently available solutions really work.
The substances that can trigger an allergy are different, but they all have one thing in common: they make life almost impossible for those who are allergic.
To run for cover, it is first necessary to flush out the enemy and undergo a test that identifies the allergen with certainty.
The analyses that can be carried out are many, but they are not all equally effective. Indeed, in some cases they can even do damage: an incorrect diagnosis can, for example, lead to the unnecessary elimination from the diet of some important foods for a varied diet that allows you to stay healthy.
The same applies to food intolerances. In this case, the deception often stems from the purpose for which the test was tested. Think of the case of yeast allergies, often diagnosed only to find a solution to overweight problems.
“Traditional” tests
There are mainly two types of tests that you can undergo when you go to an allergist: skin tests and blood tests.
Both of these types of exams are reliable. They are also the only tests whose effectiveness is scientifically proven.
Skin tests are essentially divided into two types.
In percutaneous tests, small amounts of potential allergens are rubbed into the skin or made to penetrate the skin by practicing small grazes.
In intracutaneous tests, however, the suspected allergen is injected under the skin.
We then wait for the possible appearance of redness and swelling of the skin, a symptom of the real existence of an allergy. These categories include prick test and pacth test.
The elements that, in the blood, reveal the existence of an allergy are, instead, immunoglobulins E (IgE) – antibodies present at high levels only if the immune system is reacting to the presence of the allergen, detectable through the radioallergous test (RAST) – and the increase of a particular class of white blood cells, eosinophils.
It is also possible to analyze the amount of antibodies present in the blood by serum electrophoresis.
| Skin tests | Percutaneous | Small amounts of potential allergens are rubbed into the skin or made to penetrate the skin by practicing small grazes. It is then expected the possible appearance of redness and swelling of the skin |
| Intracutaneous | The suspected allergen is injected under the skin. It is then expected the possible appearance of redness and swelling of the skin | |
| Blood tests | Radioallergous assay (RAST) | A blood sample measures the level of IgE immunoglobulins specific to a particular allergen |
Specific tests for drug and food allergies
When the intention is to verify an allergy to drugs or foods, so-called elimination or provocation tests can help, in which the suspected substance is respectively suspended or introduced into drug therapy or diet.
What is then observed is whether there is a reduction or worsening of symptoms.
The new tests
There are also other possibilities to verify the existence of an allergy, other than skin tests and the dosage of immunoglobulins, but, although they have received marketing authorization, their effectiveness has never been scientifically proven.
For this reason, many doctors advise against using them.
Among the most widespread are the Leuco test, the Bryan test (also called cytotoxic), electroacupuncture, the biostrength test, the Dria test, the Vega test, the hair analysis, the Alcatest, the kinesiology tests, the pulse test and the iridological tests.
Many of these solutions are used to diagnose food intolerances. But experts warn: the risk of a misdiagnosis is just around the corner. And it could harm health.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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