The term allergy is used to describe a condition where the immune system over reacts to a substance which is not normally harmful in itself. The result can range from a collection of inconvenient symptoms to a disease or even a life threatening reaction.
An allergic person’s immune system believes normally unharmful substances, known as allergens, can be damaging so it produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading material. This stimulates other fighting blood cells to release further chemicals such as histamine which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The most common symptoms of an inhalant allergy are:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes, ears, lips, throat and palate
- Severe wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus problems
- A sore palate
- Mouth ulcers
- Nettle-like rash
- Swelling
- Sickness, vomiting, & diarrhoea
- Increase in secretions
In addition conditions such as asthma, eczema, IBS and headaches as well as symptoms diffuse symptoms such as lethargy, loss of concentration and sensitivity to everyday foods are also considered to have an allergy component.
Some of the more common allergens are:
- Pollen from trees and grasses
- House dust mites
- Moulds
- Pets such as cats and dogs
- Insects like wasps and bees
- Industrial and household chemicals
- Medicines
- Foods such as eggs, milk, gluten and nuts
- Latex
What is being tested
We have recently swopped labs for this test – our previous lab tested the following;
English Pantain
Mugwort
Pellitory
Lamb’s Quarters
Ragweed, short
Olive
Oak, White
Beech, American
Birch, White
Ash
Cypress, Italian
Alder, Black
London Plane
Alternaria
Candida
Aspergillus
Latex
Cockroach Mix
Kentucky Blue Grass
Timothy Grass
Orchard Grass (cockfoot)
Bermuda Grass
Wheat Pollen
Rye, Cultivated
Dog
Horse
Cat