The Allergy Specialist performs a diagnostic approach based largely on the patient’s medical history and not on complementary diagnostic tests. For this reason, in ClinicAL we always start the visit with a detailed medical history. By rating the information provided, it shall be decided, if necessary, to carry out the following diagnostic tests(s):
Intraepidermal tests (Prick -Test)
Intradermal tests
Epicutanous tests (Patch-Test)
Spirometry
Blood tests
Food and drug-controlled provocation tests (*) (*)
(*) These tests are only available at certain centers and according to each health insurance.
The Allergy Specialist performs a diagnostic approach based largely on the patient’s medical history and not on complementary diagnostic tests. For this reason, in ClinicAL we always start the visit with a detailed medical history. By rating the information provided, it shall be decided, if necessary, to carry out the following diagnostic tests(s):
Intraepidermal tests (Prick -Test)
Intradermal tests
Epicutanous tests (Patch-Test)
Spirometry
Blood tests
Food and drug-controlled provocation tests (*) (*)
(*) These tests are only available at certain centers and according to each health insurance.
Diagnostic tests
1/ Intraepidermal tests (Prick-Test):
A drop of allergen extract (pollens, mites, molds, food, drugs, animal dander, etc.) is placed on the anterior face of the forearm and then a slight puncture is performed with a lancet on the epidermis. If the test is positive, a papule (mosquito bite-like injury) will appear on the puncture site. The time to perform this test takes between 15 and 20 minutes. No needles are used, no bleeding or cuts occur.
2/ Intradermal tests:
The allergenic extract is injected directly into the forearm dermis, with a thin needle, and the reading is performed 15-20 minutes after. Depending on the case, a second reading can be performed at 24, 48, and 96 hours.
2/ Intradermal tests:
The allergenic extract is injected directly into the forearm dermis, with a thin needle, and the reading is performed 15-20 minutes after. Depending on the case, a second reading can be performed at 24, 48, and 96 hours.
3/ Epicutaneous tests (Patch-Test):
Patches or dressings are attached to the patient’s back. The patches have individual discs containing the allergen or substance suspected of producing dermatitis. The patches are removed at 48 hours. At this time the first reading is performed. Then a second reading is performed at 96 hours. The test requires 5 days, during this time the patient’s back (where the patches have been placed) should not get wet.
4/ Spirometry:
Spirometry is a test that measures lung function and involves blowing through a nozzle connected to a device called a spirometer. This device provides information on the presence of bronchial obstruction. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, it allows the evaluation of the evolution and response to treatment. Spirometry is a very common test used within Allergology. It may even be required when specific treatments such as Immunotherapy are given where it is necessary to know the patient’s lung function with each dose.
4/ Spirometry:
Spirometry is a test that measures lung function and involves blowing through a nozzle connected to a device called a spirometer. This device provides information on the presence of bronchial obstruction. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, it allows the evaluation of the evolution and response to treatment. Spirometry is a very common test used within Allergology. It may even be required when specific treatments such as Immunotherapy are given where it is necessary to know the patient’s lung function with each dose.
5/ Blood Test
Serological techniques determine the presence of specific immunoglobulins or antibodies. Blood tests also allow to evaluate mediators involved in the allergic reaction, such as serum tryptase. As these are specific determinations, the interpretation of the results should always be carried out by an allergy specialist.
6/ Controlled oral provocation tests with food and drugs:
It consists of exposing the patient in a controlled way to the food/drug suspected of being the cause of the allergic reaction. It is performed in an intrahospital environment, controlled, and under the supervision of an allergy specialist. In this test, the patient may experience symptoms (confirm allergy) or show tolerance (discard allergy).
6/ Controlled oral provocation tests with food and drugs:
It consists of exposing the patient in a controlled way to the food/drug suspected of being the cause of the allergic reaction. It is performed in an intrahospital environment, controlled, and under the supervision of an allergy specialist. In this test, the patient may experience symptoms (confirm allergy) or show tolerance (discard allergy).
Symptomatic treatment
Allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching of eyes, or shortness of breath, require first-line treatment or “symptomatic” treatment. That is treatments that relieve symptoms. These may include:
- Oral antihistamines
- Nasal spray.
- Bronchial inhalers
- Oral corticosteroids
“Of them alone can “cure” the allergic disease.”
Specific treatment
It is the therapeutic option for all those patients in whom symptomatic treatment fails to relieve symptoms. Its main exponent is:
- Specific Immunotherapy (“Allergy Shots”).
“Specific Immunotherapy is the main line of research involving ClinicAL. There are several studies in which team members have participated and from which conclusions have been drawn, which today are put into practice from the various consultations in which ClinicAL collaborates.”
Symptomatic and specific treatment are compatible with each other, in fact, they complement each other. While the ultimate goal of Specific Immunotherapy is to minimize the need for symptomatic medication, in the first months of treatment, and even in the early years, it is common for patients to still need oral antihistamines, nasal sprays or bronchial inhalers for symptom control.