Allergies are very common in Dubai, most probably because of the high amounts of particulate matter in the air and high humidity during certain times of the year. Allergic rhinitis, allergic nasal polyps, asthma, and skin allergies are very common. Some people develop food allergies too.It is very important to take an allergy test to identify potential allergens that may be causing reactions, helping in better management and prevention of allergy-related symptoms.
A common question that all allergy patients have is what is the cause of their allergy? What is the exact trigger? The substances that trigger allergy symptoms are called allergens. They may be airborne like pollen and dust particles, while some enter our body through food. Some allergens trigger skin allergies by contact with skin.
A skin prick test, also known as a scratch test, is a very accurate and reliable test to find the allergens triggering the allergy reactions in a patient. This can be done on an outpatient basis, and up to 60 allergens can be tested at the same time. Small quantities of the allergen are introduced into the skin using a gentle prick with a needle, and the site is inspected about 20 minutes later to look for a visible reaction.
It is important to see an ENT / Allergy Specialist in Dubai before the procedure to confirm the history of allergy and also to check if the patient is on any medication that could hamper the results. For expert advice on finding the right care, check out our blog:A Guide to Choosing the Best Allergy Doctor in Dubai
It is a very safe test; severe allergy reactions are very rare, but the test is always done with necessary precautions under the supervision of a Allergy Specialist.
Results are available soon after the test. Once the allergens are properly identified, it guides the treatment needed to bring the symptoms under control. This can include medicines, strategies to avoid the allergens, and immunotherapy. Thus, allergy testing allows you to take control of the symptoms by either getting rid of them or reducing them significantly.