Allergen

The source of an allergy-producing substance, the allergy-producing substance itself, is one or more of the specific proteins that make up the substance and provoke the immune response, including IgE antibodies. They are often common, usually harmless substances such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, dust mites, food, insect venoms, and drug.

Pollen Allergy

Pollen is made by plants. It can be so small that cannot be seen except through a microscope some type of pollen ( such as that produced by trees, grasses, and weeds)

Mold

Mold looks like green, black or white spots on plants or on damp surfaces. Mold is spread by particles called spores that float in the air like pollen. It can be found outdoors in soil or a plant, rotting wood, or dead leaves, it can also be found indoors in damp places like basements bathrooms, refrigerators, and window slits.

The skin prick test SPT is indeed considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing allergies as compared to blood test and is a commonly used method to evaluate allergic conditions such as asthma, nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis), and food allergies. It is a safe, quick, and relatively simple procedure that helps identify specific allergens that may trigger an allergic response in an individual.

skin prick test is typically performed under supervision of Chest physician doctors or allergists. However, it's essential to undergo allergy testing under the guidance of a trained doctors to ensure accurate interpretation and appropriate management.

Test Procedure: During a skin prick test, a small amount of various allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or specific food extracts, are applied to the skin (usually on the forearm or back). The skin is then pricked or scratched with a small lancet to allow the allergens to enter the top layers of the skin.

Interpretation: The size of the wheal and the level of redness and swelling are measured after about 15-20 minutes.

It's important to note that while the skin prick test is highly sensitive and specific, it is just one part of the diagnostic process. Clinical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests, such as blood tests (specific IgE measurement) or oral food challenges, may be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of allergies.

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or desensitization, is a recent approach to treat allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy), and stinging insect allergies. Allergen immunotherapy works by gradually exposing the individual to increasing amounts of allergens to which they are allergic, with the goal of reducing their sensitivity or allergic response over time.

Personalized Treatment: Allergen immunotherapy is personalized based on the specific allergens to which an individual is sensitive. After allergy testing (including skin prick tests or specific IgE blood tests), the allergens causing the allergic reaction are identified.

Administration: The treatment involves administering small, controlled doses of the identified allergens through injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or, in some cases, as sublingual drops.

Gradual Dosing: The doses of allergens are initially very low and are gradually increased over several weeks or months. This process is known as the "build-up phase."

Maintenance Phase: Once the effective or target dose is reached, the patient continues to receive regular injections or take sublingual drops or tablets at that dose for an extended period. This phase is called the "maintenance phase."

Mechanism of Action: Allergen immunotherapy helps retrain the immune system, shifting it from an allergic response to a more tolerant or non-reactive state. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the severity of allergic symptoms upon exposure to the allergen.

Allergen immunotherapy has been shown to be particularly effective for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma caused by specific allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and molds. It can lead to a significant decrease in allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, wheezing, and coughing.

Overall, allergen immunotherapy is a valuable treatment option for allergic conditions, offering long-term benefits for patients who are good candidates for the therapy. It can help improve the quality of life for individuals with allergies, reduce the need for medications, and potentially prevent the progression of allergic diseases.