Allergy Clinic

Urticaria: It is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. It results from an inflammation of the skin triggered when the immune system releases histamine. This causes small blood vessels to leak, which leads to swelling in the skin. There are two kinds of urticaria: acute (occurs for 6 weeks and less) and chronic (more than 2 or more months). Acute urticarial can be triggered by various causes, such as heat, cold or exercise. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than six weeks) is rarely caused by specific allergy triggers and so allergy tests are usually not helpful. Chronic urticaria can last for many months, and or be recurrent for longer periods of time. Although they are often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, urticarial is not contagious.

Contact Dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in direct contact with an allergen. For instance, if you have a nickel allergy and your skin comes in contact with jewellery made with even a very small amount of nickel, you may develop red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin at the point of contact.

Stinging Insect Allergies: Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. However, most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal localized skin sting reaction for a generalized allergic reaction.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. It is a normal reaction to have pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. Sometimes there can also be a large local reaction with swelling at the sting site.
If you think you might be allergic to stinging insects, an accurate diagnosis and allergy test is essential so that you can be prepared for such a life-threatening reaction.

Spice Allergies: Another food allergy that is less known, and sometimes harder to detect, are spice allergies which occur in up to 2% of the population. Those with a greater risk for spice allergies include people with other types of allergies as well as those who work with food, for example, restaurant chefs, home cooks, factory and farm workers, and people who make or use certain cosmetic and home products that contain spices.
A large range of plant derived products are used as spices (dried seeds, fruits, root, bark) and herbs (leaves), often varying widely around the world and are used in various cuisines. Although spices and herbs are usually only added in small quantities to add flavour to foods, this may be sufficient to trigger adverse reactions.
It is possible to perform allergy testing to many spices.

Seasonal and perennial allergies: Millions of people throughout the country suffer from allergies – both the seasonal and perennial (or year round) variety – from allergic triggers in our environment. Perennial (or year-round) allergies are often caused by common indoor triggers such as dust mites, mould, pets and cockroaches and are the body’s physical reactions to inhaled airborne allergy triggering proteins, known as “allergens.” These perennial, or year-round, allergy sufferers deal with stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing all year long. Others suffer from seasonal allergies from trees, grasses, or weeds.
Symptoms may occur in the spring, summer or early fall or, in some individuals who suffer from tree, grass and weed allergies, from early spring through the first frost.

Food Allergies: Allergic reactions to food can range from a mild itchy mouth to a severe, life-threatening reaction. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
a). Tingling or itching in the mouth.
b). Urticaria, Itching or Eczema.
c). Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body.
d). Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing.
e). Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting.
f). Dizziness, light headedness or fainting.

However, in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:
a). Constriction and tightening of airways.
b). A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe.
c). Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure.
d). Rapid pulse.
e). Dizziness, light headedness or loss of consciousness.

Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Suspected food allergies should always be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a qualified medical professional, such as a board-certified allergist. Do not diagnose a food allergy on your own. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and inadequate nutrition, especially in children. Additionally, some people think they are allergic to a food when they actually have another type of food disorder, such as food intolerance, and treatment may differ.