Allergy tests are used to diagnose patients with type I allergic reactions, these patients usually develop the following clinical symptoms, including seasonal and long-term rhinitis and conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, atopic eczema, hives (urticaria).
Rapid testing for allergens, results available on the next day! This test require only one skin prick and the collection of a few drops of blood. Besides, for infants under the age of two, skin prick will be performed on the foot instead of fingers due to the small size of them.
Medications for allergies include nasal allergy spray, which are steroidal medications for anti-inflammatory and prevention of allergies. Medications for allergic rhinitis are anti-histamines. Histamines are released by our immune systems which causes itchiness, vasodilation, etc. Anti-histamine can reduce the severity of itchiness, sneezing and runny nose.
Desensitization is the cure for allergies by targeting the cause of allergies. Sublingual allergy drops contain a certain amount of allergens to help building up immunity within patient’s body. After a period of immunotherapy, allergic reactions caused by the same type of allergens will be much reduced. Sublingual allergy drops only has to be administered once per day at home. No regular follow up is required.
Three types of sublingual allergy drops are available in Hong Kong, targeting allergies of dust mites, cats and dogs. Patients with multiple types of allergies still require allergy shots.
