- June 23, 2023
- by Lianeth Perez
- 0 Comments
Allergies
Since every allergic reaction is triggered by a specific allergen, the main goal of diagnosis is to identify that allergen. This may be a seasonal plant or plant product, such as grass pollen or ragweed, or a substance such as cat dander, certain medications or a particular food.
The allergen can cause an allergic reaction when it is deposited on the skin or enters an eye, is inhaled, ingested or injected.
There are tests that can help determine if symptoms are allergy-related and identify the allergen involved. A blood sample may show many eosinophils, a type of white blood cell whose number often increases during allergic reactions.
The RAST (radioallergosorbent) skin test measures blood concentrations of IgE antibodies specific to a given allergen, which can help diagnose an allergic skin reaction, seasonal allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma.
You can review the full infographic here: Allergies