skin prick test

21 February 2015

skin prick tests for allergies

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

I thought I would share an update on my medical appointments as I have been back to see my Allergy Consultant. We chatted through the outcome of my visit to the Dermatologist and then discussed a rather unfortunate incident I experienced with M&S chocolates at Christmas. I took a risk on a product labelled along the lines of "not suitable for milk allergy because of manufacturing methods". I am in no hurry to repeat that any time soon. I was given another skin prick test for milk and egg. The results were a mild reaction to milk but nothing for egg. For point of reference there are two categories of allergy - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated and non-IgE-mediated. IgE mediated is the one associated with anaphylaxis and a skin prick test is likely to be positive whereas with non-IgE anaphylaxis is not a response but symptoms may include vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Skin prick or blood tests are negative.

Where do we go from here? Well I've been asked to food challenge at home for milk and go to the hospital for an egg challenge. I walked away from my appointment with a mix of emotions as food challenges kind of terrify me. I know my own body and even if a skin prick test is negative I cannot ignore my symptoms. I may never have had anaphylaxis but there is no denying my stomachs and skin reactions. I guess you might say I have developed anxiety towards some foods. I can smell an orange a mile off and the thought of being near one brings me out in a cold sweat because I have a childhood memory of drinking juice and gasping for air.

There is another hurdle to overcome I have spent 28 years on a free from diet and in that time I stopped eating meat and became aware of animal cruelty issues. After much contemplation I realised I have no real desire to incorporate animal milks and eggs back into my diet. I have strong opinions about techniques involved in modern farming. The problem with a food challenge is by "passing" the initial test (not having a reaction) you are expected to keep that ingredient in your diet. I believe the theory is that if you stop eating it you may develop a reaction again over time.

I have decided not to food challenge for the time being. The truth is I am perfectly happy living life with a diet that leans towards Vegan. It is not an easy diet to manage outside of the home as I can feel a little alienated by restaurants but things are slowly improving. My experience with chocolates at Christmas, my skin prick test and my viewpoints on animal cruelty put me off entertaining the thought of challenges.

For the time being I am finished with hospital appointments. It has been a worthwhile experience pursuing a long overdue follow up. I think from this point the rest is up to me, there is little more that the Doctors can do. The test results for milk have been interesting given the consultant was initially dismissive that I still have a problem because there is an expectation that children grow out of some allergies (it does happen). I am happy that my free from lifestyle is still the correct way to manage sensitivities. I am still challenging my OAS and I am now enjoying a few more fruits but I am still a long way off eating an orange.

In my other appointments I was diagnosed with OAS and Methylisothiazolinone allergy, to read about them simply follow the links.

Sarah x

20 August 2014

skin prick testing for allergies
Disclaimer - The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. My source of information: British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology. Further reading: Allergy UK - OAS

In March I finally found a GP who listened to me and agreed I needed a referral to an Allergy Consultant. After a five month wait, I had my first appointment this week and I am now officially on a new journey to re-evaluate my allergies, roll on more appointments and testing. I should explain that my initial diagnosis occurred 28 years ago and my online friends in the allergy community have encouraged me to seek out answers to questions that have bugged me for many years.

This week I have under gone a skin prick test and the results confirmed I still have an allergy to grass pollen and I can also add birch pollen to my list. My initial reaction is pictured above. I forgot to take another photo so you will have to take my word for it when I say those lumps got worse as time went on. The urge to scratch was so intense I had to sit on my hand. Not only did I leave the hospital with a new allergy but I gained a diagnosis for Oral Allergy Syndrome. This is the point where you all stare blankly at the screen and mutter to yourself “WTF is Oral Allergy Syndrome?”. Don’t worry I only know about OAS because someone had previously suggested to me I could have the condition. I am now armed with a hospital fact sheet and want to raise awareness. 

The interesting element to Oral Allergy Syndrome is the link with hayfever. According to the information I received, people who have hayfever between *March to the end of July (that’s me!) are probably allergic to both grass and tree pollen (me again!) are more likely to develop Oral Allergy Syndrome but also be allergic to a wider range of foods (hello light bulb moment!).

Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms are itching and swelling of the mouth, tongue and soft palate after eating raw fruit, vegetables and some nuts but the symptoms do not occur when the food is cooked. I have been avoiding strawberry and orange since childhood and for a considerable number of years I have been complaining of itchy throat and roof of mouth when eating melon, pineapple, kiwi and grapefruit. These fruits have long since been eliminated from my diet and I miss them. I have never been a fussy eater and love fruit and vegetables. When you are dairy and egg free as well, pudding options in restaurants are usually fruit salad, cue my immediate panic! 

Symptoms are caused by a reaction to plant proteins which are similar to pollen. These proteins are usually destroyed when heated so that explains why some people don’t experience symptoms when food is cooked and canned as opposed to raw. 

Which foods may cause Oral Allergy Syndrome? - Apple, Walnut, Peach, peanuts, Pear, Wheat, Nectarine, Hazelnuts, Strawberries, Celery, Melons, Watermelon, Parsley, Tomato, Swiss Chard, Carrot, Cherries, Potato, Plum, Fennel, Honey, Spinach, Almonds, Brazil nuts, Apricots, Spices, Cucumber, Chamomile tea. 

I understand that diagnosis is problematic. The skin prick test for grass and tree pollens is useful but testing for the foods may not work because the allergens could be destroyed in the process of making the testing solution. Skin testing using raw foods may be useful. Unfortunately, there isn't a magic pill to cure Oral Allergy Syndrome you simply have to avoid your trigger food(s) or ensure they are cooked before eating. 

If you are concerned about Oral Allergy Syndrome seek professional medical advice. If your symptoms include wheezing, rash or abdominal pains that could indicate a more severe type of allergy so get yourself checked out.

So there you have it. A positive outcome of sorts but sadly I am not going to be adding any more fruits back into my diet. In case you were wondering, not every allergen can be tested in a skin prick test so I have to wait for blood test results. This is not the end to "My Story" as I await follow up appointments and referrals to other Hospital departments.

Sarah x

*If you have hayfever February to May that usually means a tree pollen allergy and apparently you’re likely to only react to fruits and some nuts.

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