The StartBio team has collected and answered the most frequently asked questions about allergies for you and your child:
What is an allergy?
An allergy is defined as an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are theoretically harmless to most people. These substances are called allergens. Allergy etymologically comes from Allo+ergo which characterizes the body’s latent reaction.
What are the Allergic Symptoms?
Allergic symptoms vary from person to person and can appear from the first few minutes to several hours after the person is exposed to the allergens.
Regarding Allergic Rhinitis
- sneezing
- itchy face
- runny or blocked nose
- itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- wet eyes
Regarding allergic asthma
- Whistling
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Regarding Urticaria
- Itching on the body
- Red rashes
- Poms
Regarding Food Allergy
- swollen lips
- swollen tongue eyes or face
- abdominal pain
- feeling unwell
- vomiting
- diarrhea
What are allergens?
Allergens are substances (proteins) that cause the allergic reaction. Allergens are harmless to most people. However, for those who are allergic it can cause an allergic reaction and in some cases it can cause anaphylaxis (allergic shock) which is the most serious form of reaction.
What are the most common allergens?
Substances that can cause an allergic reaction are:
- House dust mites
- Pollen grains
- Atmospheric fungi
- Foods
- Medicines
- Epithelium of animals
- Insect venoms
What is anaphylaxis – Allergic shock
Anaphylaxis or Allergic shock is a dangerous condition that can potentially threaten the patient’s life and cause death. Anaphylaxis is triggered by allergens causing an allergic reaction. More than one organ can be involved in anaphylaxis (e.g. respiratory – gastrointestinal, Circulatory – respiratory, etc.)
What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include involvement of more than two systems (eg Respiratory-Gastrointestinal)
The most common symptoms of anaphylaxis are:
- Feeling dizzy or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Tachycardia
- Confusion and Anxiety
- Loss of conscience
- Loss of senses
How long does it take for the allergic shock to occur?
An allergic Shock can occur from within a few minutes to 2 hours after contact with the allergen. In the absence of medical treatment with Epinephrine injection or antihistamines) the patient’s life may be at risk.
The patient with anaphylaxis symptoms should be taken to the hospital immediately. The advice and care of the allergist is essential to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Table of anaphylaxis of symptoms
Όργανο | Συμπτώματα |
Δέρμα | Αίσθηση θερμότητας, flushing (ερύθημα), κνησμός, κνίδωση, αγγειοοίδημα |
Στόμα | Κνησμός ή «τσιμπίματα» χειλέων, γλώσσας ή υπερώας, οίδημα χειλέων, γλώσσας ή σταφυλής, μεταλλική γεύση |
Γαστρεντερικό | Ναυτία, κοιλιακό άλγος, έμετος, διάρροια,δυσκαταποσία |
Αναπνευστικό | Κνησμός λάρυγγα, αίσθημα πίεσης στον τράχηλο, δυσκαταποσία, βράγχος φωνής, αίσθηση κνησμού έξω ακουστικού πόρου Δύσπνοια, σφίξιμο θώρακα, παροξυσμικός βήχας Ρινική συμφόρηση, ρινόρροια, κνησμός, πτάρνισμα |
Δειγματοληψία | Ρινοφαρυγγικό ή στοματοφαρυγγικό επίχρισμα (Μύτη ή στόμα) |
Καρδιολογικό | Αίσθημα λιποθυμίας, συγκοπή, προκάρδιο άλγος, αίσθημα παλμών, υπόταση |
Νευρολογικά | Σύγχυση, άγχος, κεφαλαλγία, σπασμοί |
Οφθαλμοί | ΟφθαλμοίΠεριοφθαλμικός κνησμός, ερύθημα, οίδημα, δακρύρροια, ερυθρότητα επιπεφυκότων |
What are childhood allergies? How often do they occur?
About 30% of children may develop allergies to one or more allergens. This percentage is increasing over time. Children can develop allergies with severe symptoms. Early diagnosis of allergies can protect your child from a possible severe allergic reaction and improve his quality of life.
What are the most common childhood allergies?
The allergies that usually appear in children up to 3 years old are food allergies, with the main allergens being milk, egg and peanuts. Allergens that seem to affect older children include airborne allergens such as tree pollens, food allergies such as tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and drug allergies.
How are allergies diagnosed?
The diagnosis of allergies can be made either through skin or blood tests , with the final interpretation of the results provided by the allergist, taking into account the patient’s history.
What are Skin Tests?
Skin tests are an easy method of diagnosing allergies such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, food allergy, drug allergy and allergy to insect venoms such as bee/wasp.
They are applied to the patient’s skin and for most allergens the results are ready in 15-20 minutes.
Skin tests are divided into 3 categories:
- Skin prick tests (SPT)
- Intradermal tests (IDs)
- Atopy patch tests (APT)
What blood tests can I do to find out if I have allergies?
Blood tests for the diagnosis of allergies are a simple procedure in which no special preparation is usually required. Allergological tests vary in their methodology.
StArtBio provides you with a complete allergy check with its specialized knowledge and modern equipment for to the diagnosis of allergies.
What is a food allergy? What are its symptoms?
Food allergy is the reaction in which the body recognizes certain foods as “invaders” and overreacts. This reaction is expressed by various symptoms in the body (respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory, etc.) which can manifest from a few minutes to a few hours after consuming the responsible allergen.
Food allergies occur mainly in babies and young children without excluding adults who can have an allergic reaction to foods they used to eat without any issues.
Potentially, the seemingly innocent allergic reaction can develop into an allergic shock – anaphylaxis, if not treated immediately, risking the patient’s life.
Therefore, if you notice any suspicious symptoms after consuming a specific food, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What are the most common foods that cause food allergies?
Although any food can cause an allergic reaction, there are 8 food groups that account for 90% of them.
Those are:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
Food allergy symptoms can be:
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Urticaria
- Difficulty in breathing
- Whistling
- Recurrent cough
- Loss of senses
- Heavy Voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to speak or breathe
- Weak pulse
- Pale skin color
- Dizziness or feeling like fainting
- Anaphylaxis
These allergic reactions can affect different parts of the body at the same time (for example, a stomachache accompanied by a rash)
Food allergies usually manifest within 2 hours and more rarely 6 hours later.
Food allergy diagnosis
To diagnose a food allergy, your allergist will usually ask you:
What did you eat and how much?
After how long did the first symptoms appear?
What kind of symptoms did you experience?
The allergy diagnostic tests that can be used to determine the foods responsible for the patient’s allergic reaction are:
Skin tests combined with blood tests.
Advantages of Food Allergy Tests
ΤΕΣΤ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΑΣ | ΠΛΕΟΝΕΚΤΗΜΑΤΑ |
ΔΕΡΜΑΤΙΚΑ ΤΕΣΤ | ΓΡΗΓΟΡΑ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ ΚΟΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΑΛΟΓΑ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΟΓΟΝΑ ΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΧΡΗΣΙΜΟΠΟΙΗΘΟΥΝ |
RAST (ΑΙΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ) | ΓΡΗΓΟΡΑ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ ΠΙΟ ΑΞΙΟΠΙΣΤΑ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ ΣΕ ΣΧΕΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΑ ΔΕΡΜΑΤΙΚΑ ΚΟΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΑΛΟΓΑ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΟΓΟΝΑ ΠΟΥ ΘΑ ΧΡΗΣΙΜΟΠΟΙΗΘΟΥΝ |
ALEX TEST (ΑΙΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ) | ΚΑΛΥΠΤΕΙ > 90% ΟΛΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΤΡΟΦΙΚΩΝ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΩΝ(ΚΑΙ ΑΝΙΧΝΕΥΕΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΑ ΥΠΟΛΟΙΠΑ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΟΓΟΝΑ) |
IMMUNOCAP (ΑΙΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ) | ΚΑΛΥΠΤΕΙ > 90% ΟΛΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΤΡΟΦΙΚΩΝ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΩΝ(ΚΑΙ ΑΝΙΧΝΕΥΕΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΑ ΥΠΟΛΟΙΠΑ ΑΛΛΕΡΓΙΟΓΟΝΑ) ΘΕΩΡΕΙΤΑΙ ΤΟ ΠΙΟ ΑΚΡΙΒΕΣ ΕΡΓΑΛΕΙΟ |
Blood tests for food allergy are the ideal tool for your allergist to assess the severity of the disease and accurately plan the patient’s treatment.
Food allergy in children
Children need special attention when it comes to food allergies. Dangers can be everywhere. From ‘innocent’ ingredients found in their immediate environment, to those found at school. The introduction of new foods should be done with caution and in case of a reaction the child’s environment and the school should be informed. Eggs, milk and peanuts are the most common causes of food allergies in children. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish usually cause the most severe reactions. Almost 5% of children under the age of five have food allergies.
The best way to find out if your children are allergic to a certain food is the blood allergy tests ALEX test and Immunocap.
Food allergy treatment
Traditionally, the recommended food allergy treatment is avoiding the food that caused the reaction. Now, food allergy treatments focus on desensitizing the person to the specific food, so that the body recognizes it as “normal”. This procedure is carried out by the allergist after the allergens have been identified. In the desensitization process, the allergist administers specific amounts of food to the patient based on strict protocols until the body is desensitized to the food.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergic reactions with symptoms that mainly affect the nasopharyngeal cavity. Sometimes the symptoms resemble that of the common cold.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system recognizes and overreacts to something in the environment that is usually harmless to most people.
Allergic rhinitis can be divided into 2 categories. Seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis : Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis can occur in the spring, summer and early fall. They are usually caused by sensitization to airborne allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollen.
Perennial allergic rhinitis: People with perennial allergic rhinitis experience symptoms year-round. It is usually caused by dust mites, pet hair/epithelium, cockroaches or mold. Underlying or hidden food allergies rarely cause year-round nasal symptoms.
Some people may experience both types of rhinitis, with year-round symptoms worsening during certain pollen seasons. There are also non-allergic causes of rhinitis, caused by irritants such as cigarettes, perfumes, cleaning products and other strong odors.
At Startbio we accurately detect the causes of your allergic rhinitis
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Runny Nose
- Itchy eyes, mouth or skin
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion
- Fatigue (often reported due to poor sleep quality as a result of nasal obstruction)
Factors that trigger allergic rhinitis.
- Outdoor allergens such as pollen from trees, grass, weeds.
- Indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and mold
- Irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes.
Allergic rhinitis can be associated with:
- Decreased concentration and focus
- Limited activities
- Reduced decision-making ability
- Disordered sleep
- Fatigue
- Missed days of work or school
Allergic Rhinitis and Children
Many parents of children with allergic rhinitis report that their children are more moody and irritable around the time the allergies occur. Since children cannot always express their symptoms accurately, they may express their discomfort by acting nervous at school and at home. In addition, some children feel that the allergy is a stigma that separates them from others.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children do not differ from the symptoms of adults.
Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
The patient’s quality of life can start improving once the allergist diagnoses allergic rhinitis. The treatment will be based on the results of the diagnostic tests and the patient’s history.
Diagnostic tests include skin tests and blood tests.
Ενημερωθείτε για το πλήρες πακέτο ανίχνευσης γύρης δέντρων TPDX (Total Pollen Diagnosis) που κάνει μόνο η Startbio. Find out about the complete tree pollen detection package TPDX (TotalPollenDiagnosis) that only Startbio provides.
Management of allergic rhinitis
The first approach to managing seasonal or perennial forms of allergic rhinitis should be to avoid the allergens that cause symptoms as much as possible.
Managing exposure to external factors
- Stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is at its peak. Usually this happens in the midday and early evening (this can vary depending on the pollen of the plants) and when there is a wind spreading the pollen.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors, to minimize the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes.
- Do not hang clothes outside to dry because pollen can stick to towels and sheets.
- Try not to rub your eyes.
Managing exposure to internal factors
- Keep the windows closed and use air conditioning in your car and home. Be sure to keep your air conditioning unit clean.
- Reduce exposure to dust mites, especially in the bedroom.
- Use “waterproof” covers for pillows, quilts, mattresses and box springs.
- Wash your bedding frequently, using hot water.
- To limit exposure to mold, keep the humidity in your home low, and clean your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement regularly.
- Use a dehumidifier
- If mold is visible, clean it with a mild detergent.
- Clean floors with a damp cloth or mop, rather than dusting or sweeping.
Exposure to pet allergens (cat, dog)
- Wash your hands immediately after petting any animal.
- Wash your clothes after visiting friends with pets.
- If you are allergic to pets, keep your pet out of your home as much as possible.
- If the pet must be inside, keep it out of your bedroom so you are not exposed to pet allergens while you sleep.
- Close the vents in your bedroom if you have forced air or central heating or cooling.
Replace carpeting with hardwood, tile, which are easier to maintain without lint.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Treatment of allergic rhinitis may include:
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Leukotriene pathway inhibitors
- Immunotherapy
- Drops
Frequently asked questions about allergies
Πώς μπορώ να δω αν έχω αλλεργία στo εμβόλιο του covid-19;
Υπάρχουν ειδικά αλλεργιολογικά test που γίνονται με αιμοληψία για να δω αν έχω αλλεργίες;
- Rast (ImmunoCAP – Phadia)
- Alex (Allergy explorer – MADx)
- ISAC (ImmunoCAP Immuno‑Solid phase Allergy Chip)
- TVDX (Total Venom Diagnosis)
- TPDX (Total Pollen Diagnosis)
Έχω Αλλεργία στη γάτα ή το σκύλο μου; Ποιά είναι τα συμπτώματα ;
Allergy to cats or dogs is a common pathological condition that, if not detected in time, can cause serious long-term problems for the patient.
Symptoms of cat or dog allergy can be:
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Itching on the body
- Poms
- More serious symptoms of an allergic reaction to dogs and cats can be:
- Cough and Shortness of breath
- Allergic shock – anaphylaxis
Τι εξετάσεις πρέπει να κάνω για να δω αν έχω αλλεργία στη γάτα ή το σκύλο μου;
Skin Testing: The allergist makes a small prick of your skin with an extract of the suspected allergens and cat or dog fur epithelium. In case of a reaction in the area where the allergen was applied, a bump or irritation is created and evaluated by your Doctor.
Blood tests: A simple blood sample is taken by your allergist or by a specialized laboratory that will process the sample. An increase in specific IgE antibodies indicates the existence of sensitization. The results will be interpreted by your doctor to determine the existence of an allergy, in combination with your clinical history. Startbio specializes in allergy diagnosis, offering accurate results.
Πως θα καταλάβω αν έχω αλλεργία στα φάρμακα; Ποιά είναι τα συμπτώματα;
Antibiotics induce allergic reactions, either immediately (within 2 hours), or after a few days (delayed or delayed type).
The usual symptoms for immediate type allergic reactions from antibiotics are:
urticaria, angioedema, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, swelling of the larynx, drop in pressure, dizziness, sweating, loss of consciousness.
If the above symptoms are not treated promptly, there is a risk of anaphylaxis – allergic shock.
Symptoms related to delayed-type allergic reactions, appear after long-term medication, and can be: rashes, urticaria, fever, eosinophilia
Ποιες εξετάσεις μπορώ να κάνω για να δω αν έχω αλλεργίες στα φάρμακα;
After consultation with your allergist the tests you can do to check if you have drug allergies are
- skin prick tests
- Rast blood tests for the specific allergen thought to be responsible for the allergic reaction
- Basophil activation test
Ποια φάρμακα προκαλούν συχνότερα αλλεργικές αντιδράσεις;;
Antibiotics (e.g. penicillin and more generally the so-called β-lactam antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin and cephalosporins), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as e.g. aspirin, insulin, some general anesthetics. However, every drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction.
Πώς θα καταλάβω αν το μωρό μου έχει αλλεργία στο γάλα;
Milk allergy is a reaction that occurs in babies up to 3 years old. In older ages, the allergy ceases to exist. Infant allergies occur in 2-7% of the population.
Ποια είναι τα συμπτώματα αλλεργικής αντίδρασης στο βρεφικό γάλα;
The symptoms vary and have a wide range of reactions. The largest percentage of allergic reactions are found in:
- Digestive system: vomiting, diarrhea,
- Skin: rash, eczema, urticaria
- Respiratory: shortness of breath, rhinitis, wheezing, pulmonary edema
- If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately so he can refer you to do the necessary tests.
Διάγνωση αλλεργίας στο βρεφικό γάλα
The diagnosis of baby milk allergy is made by your doctor. Possible tests include skin prick tests and blood tests.
Usually both methods are needed to cross-check the results for more accurate results.
Αλλεργία στο αυγό, ποια είναι τα συμπτώματα; Πως γίνεται η διάγνωση;
Eggs are one of the most common food allergens. People with chicken egg allergy may also be allergic to other types of eggs, such as goose, duck, turkey or quail.
Egg allergy often occurs mainly in children and less often in adults. The reaction starts after consumption of proteins, in the whites and/or yolks of the eggs. Studies have shown that about 2% of children may develop egg allergies of which about 70% will have outgrown the particular food allergy after the age of 16.
SYMPTOMS
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Whistling
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Recurrent cough
- Throat tightness, hoarse voice
- Weak pulse
- Pale or bluish skin color
- Urticaria
- Swelling, may affect the tongue and/or lips
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Diagnosis
After contacting your allergist who will check your medical history, he may suggest you to do the relevant skin prick tests and/or blood tests.
Allergy blood tests will give your Doctor a complete picture of the evolution of your allergy sensitization.
People with sensitivities to eggs should avoid eating them as well as foods containing eggs or egg proteins such as Mayonnaise.
Αλλεργία στο ψάρι. Πόσο συχνή είναι; Ποιά είναι τα συμπτώματά;
Fish allergy is a less common food allergy reaction. Nevertheless, if it occurs, it is very likely to present severe symptoms or even anaphylaxis. Fish allergy usually occurs in adults who may have had no symptoms before. Although all fish can potentially cause an allergic reaction, the most common reactions are observed in fish such as: Salmon, Tuna, Codfish.
Fish allergy symptoms
- Urticaria or skin rash
- Nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Stuffy nose or runny nose and/or sneezing
- Headaches
- Asthma
- Αναφυλαξία (λιγότερο συχνή)
Πού οφείλεται η Ανοιξιάτικη αλλεργία; Τί είναι το περδικάκι που προκαλεί αλλεργίες;
The peony is a highly allergenic plant and has two long flowering periods. Its pollen appears in early spring and is responsible for the well-known Spring allergy, and remains throughout the spring and summer, and into the fall.
Symptoms of peony
- Pollen from this allergenic plant causes symptoms such as:
- Asthma
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Allergic rhinitis
What is the special allergy test Rasttest –ImmunoCAP Phadia
RAST is a way of testing your allergies through your blood to confirm what you may be allergic to by looking for antibodies to specific substances – allergens. It is the most reliable method to detect specific allergens that the allergist considers responsible for specific allergic reactions.
For this specific test, 0.2 ml of serum is required per allergen.
What is Alex Test?
The Allergy Explorer Test (ALEX TEST) is the first and scientifically most advanced in vitro multiple allergy test, which allows the simultaneous measurement of total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) against a multitude of allergen extracts and molecular allergens. Based on modern biochip technology, it is a micrograph immunoassay platform that allows multiple measurement of specific IgE antibodies to several allergen components using only 100μl of serum or plasma.
ALEX test can detect over 300 allergens among all major groups of allergens such as Food allergies, Seasonal allergies, etc.
The patient benefits from this global-multifactorial approach of the specific test, getting treatment and advice from the allergist in the fastest possible way
Why should I do ALEX test?
- It provides answers by describing the profile of highly sensitized patients
- It reveals the potential risk of serious allergic reactions due to food
- It determines the IgE antibody profile in patients with an unsatisfactory response to treatment
- Positive results on the macroarray, although they may not be clinically relevant at present, may predict patient progression in the future
What is the ISAC allergy test?
ImmunoCAP ISAC is a technologically advanced tool for describing the patient’s IgE antibody profile. It is the result of the combination of innovative bio-chip technologies and pioneering research in molecular allergology. It is a diagnostic test for the simultaneous measurement of specific IgE antibodies for 112 different allergens, mostly recombinant. ImmunoCAP ISAC was the first in vitro multi-measure diagnostic tool for the allergist.
Why should I take the ISAC test?
- Its results describe the profile of highly sensitized patients. ISAC provides detailed and useful information for 9/10 multi-sensitized patients. The patient receives answers for the overall assessment of the individual IgE repertoire.
- It reveals the potential risk of serious allergic reactions due to food. It determines the IgE antibody profile in patients with an unsatisfactory response to treatment.
- Although some positive ISAC results may not be relevant to current clinical symptoms, they may predict patient progression in the future. Important in the evaluation of patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis.
- It shows very good specificity in patients with high total IgE, such as some patients with atopic dermatitis.
What is the TVDX (Total Venom Diagnosis) diagnostic test?
This particular allergy test detects whether the patient is allergic to the venoms of insects such as wasps and bees. If you suspect that you are allergic to this specific kind of allergens, then this is the right test for you.
Why should I do it?
TVDX is a useful tool for the allergist to diagnose and prevent insect bites.
What is the TPDX (Total Pollen Diagnosis) allergy test
TPDX is a tool for an allergological control of the inhaled allergens found in tree pollens that are responsible for the onset of allergic rhinitis.
Why should I do it?
TPDX is useful tool allowing the allergist to diagnose the patient and prevent conditions such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma etc. It detects the aero-allergens responsible for seasonal or year-round allergies.
What is the cost of allergy tests?
Ειδικό Τεστ για αλλεργίες | Αλλεγιογόνα που ελέγχει | Κόστος |
Όσα κρίνει ο αλλεργιολόγος | 8€ ή 18€ ανά αλλεργιογόνο | |
≈ 300 Αλλεργιογόνα | 150€ | |
112 Αλλεργιογόνα | 250€ | |
Δηλητήρια που αφορούν τη σφήκα/μέλισσα | 85€ | |
Γύρεις,(εποχιακή αλλεργία) | 90€ |