Learn about the natural health benefits of Allergy Intolerance Testing & find an Allergy Intolerance Testing practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.
Fact: Allergy ‘concept’ discovered in 1906
Founded By: Austrian Clemens Von Pirquet
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ALLERGY?
Nowadays, the term allergy is defined as an over-reaction or hypersensitivity to common harmless substances, allergens, including pollens, bee sting, house dust mite and dairy products to name just a few. These allergens cause the production of antibodies which can damage body tissues and trigger the release of histamine along with other harmful chemicals. Consequently, an inflammation occurs which is often typical of common allergic symptoms such as skin conditions (e.g. eczema, dermatitis), respiratory conditions (e.g. hay fever, asthma, sinus issues) and digestive problems (e.g. stomach cramps, diarrhoea).
Allergies vary in severity. For example, anaphylaxis, a severe whole-body reaction, can be life threatening however the majority of allergies pose a much smaller threat.
The body recognises that invading allergens damage the immune system and so in response produces an antibody, ‘IgE’, to attack them. Other cells (‘mast cells’) in the body then release further chemicals which together cause irritation, inflammation and the symptoms of an allergic response. The most common symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes and ears, severe wheezing, coughing, shortage of breath, sinus problems and red nettle-like rashes.
Your GP and allergy specialists are trained to recognise which of your conditions are treatable and non-treatable. It’s particularly important to give the practitioner in-depth detail about your symptoms so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. For example, make sure you outline the affected area, the severity of your symptoms, any family history of similar complaints and triggers, i.e. anything specific that makes your allergy worse. The time of day or year and how often symptoms occur can also help your specialist identify the allergens that cause the reaction.
Allergy intolerance testing can be used to establish the specific allergen at the root of your condition. There are a handful of allergy tests available performed by medical Doctors as well as holistic practitioners such as Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Herbalists, Homeopaths and Kinesiologists. Testing aims to identify the presence of the IgE antibody or, in the case of food intolerance, the IgG antibody. Common methods used to identify allergens include blood, skin prick and patch tests. The type of test used depends on the symptoms and condition of your skin. In this way, Skin prick testing is often initially recommended when an allergy is suspected. This is a simple, quick and inexpensive testing method which can provide feedback and results within 15-20 minutes. Blood tests are very common and often carried out in a GP surgery or hospital. A fine needle is used to take a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm in order for minimal discomfort. The test can provide valuable feedback for all allergy forms and is useful for inhaled and ingested or consumed allergens. Patch testing is performed in the incidents of contact dermatitis or eczema where an allergy is suspected. Challenge tests involve introducing allergens to the lung (in the case of bronchial allergies such as asthma), nose or eye. This type of testing can help to identify food allergies whereby the individual is given certain foods ‘blind’ in order to monitor their effects on the body. From the results of your allergy intolerance tests, your practitioner will then advise you on the cause and necessary treatment of your allergy.
Allergy intolerance testing may benefit the following conditions:
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Allergy intolerance testing is a safe and effective diagnostic tool when carried out by a trained practitioner. It is wise to carry out some research and select a homeopath who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the New Zealand Natural Medicine Association (NZNMA). Allergy intolerance specialists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment. These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.
The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified practitioners within your region. We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.
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