Many people are not sufficiently aware of allergens and may not know what they are allergic to, making it difficult to avoid them completely. For example, a mother strictly restricted her seven-year-old daughter's diet, firmly believing apples were healthy and insisting her daughter eat one every day. However, allergy test results showed that her daughter was, in fact, severely allergic to apples!
Allergic symptoms in the human body are primarily caused by the immune system's inflammatory response to specific substances. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against that allergen. When cells are stimulated by IgE, they release mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins, triggering a series of allergic reactions. Mild reactions can include skin rashes, vomiting, and a runny nose. In severe cases, swelling of the airways can lead to difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause shock, which can be fatal once it occurs. Allergens are ubiquitous, and although they are not inherently harmful to the body, the immune system may send out incorrect signals, leading to an inappropriate overreaction. Common causes of allergies can be broadly categorised into four types:
1. Genetic factors:
If one or both parents have allergies, it's possible to pass them on to the next generation.
2 Airborne allergens:
Substances that cause inhaled allergies, including pollen, dust mites, animal fur and dander, lead to symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.
3 Contact allergens:
Skin contact with allergens may result in allergic contact dermatitis. Skincare products, handbags, metals, and perfumes can all trigger a range of allergic skin symptoms. Skin tests can generally be used to trace the source of the sensitivity.
4 food allergens:
Milk, eggs, peanuts and seafood are common food allergens, which usually cause symptoms of food sensitivity such as gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea after consumption.
To prevent allergies in children, in addition to carefully checking the safety of their surroundings, it is even more important to pay attention to whether the child has a sensitive constitution. Only by taking preventive measures from the inside out can you prevent your child from suffering 100%! Here are some points to note:
Keep the environment clean.
Dust and dust mites in your home are common allergens, and there's also the possibility of bringing allergens (like pollen or bacteria) in when coming and going from your house. Therefore, it's essential to clean regularly and keep your home tidy.
Supplement nutrients
Supplementing nutrients like fish oil (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids) can protect the skin and is a great help in reducing inflammatory responses associated with allergies and arthritis.
FABER IgE Allergy Test (CAAM IgE Component Test)
Helping you avoid "real allergens"
Unlike previous allergy tests, third-generation allergy testing can detect over 90% allergens, helping you identify the true source of your allergy so that you can treat the condition effectively and provide relief from eczema.
The purpose of allergy testing is not simply to identify allergens, but more importantly, to educate patients on how to understand and effectively avoid them.
