Allergy diagnosis
The Importance of Early and Accurate Testing
An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective allergy management. The first steps involve:
Clinical history
Understanding a patient's symptom patterns, potential triggers, and family history is crucial for identifying possible allergic conditions (Calderón et al., 2021). A detailed clinical history helps healthcare professionals to determine whether symptoms are seasonal, perennial, or triggered by specific exposures, guiding subsequent diagnostic steps
Skin prick test
A key diagnostic tool,the Skin Prick Test (SPT) is the most common used methods for diagnosing allergies due to its high sensitivity, quick results, and minimally invasive nature (Bousquet et al., 2020). This test involves applying a drop of an allergen extract in the skin, typically on the forearm (or back), and then gently pricking the skin with a lancet to allow the allergen to penetrate the outer layer.
Molecular diagnosis
Molecular diagnosis provides additional precision by identifying specific allergens (proteins) responsible for allergic signs and symptoms. This approach enables more personalized treatment strategies, helping clinicians select the most appropriate therapy.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
Molecular diagnosis marks a significant advancement in allergology, offering:
- Greater accuracy in identifying specific allergenic components
- A personalized approach to treatment, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate therapy
- A key tool for healthcare providers and distributors, expanding their diagnostic capabilities
Additionally, molecular technology has been integrated into skin prick tests, providing a more refined evaluation of allergic sensitization. Molecular-based SPT enhances diagnostic accuracy by distinguishing between primary sensitization and cross-reactivity, offering a more precise approach to allergy management.
Allergy treatment: Moving Beyond Symptom Relief
While medications are effective for controlling symptoms, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently the only treatment that modifies the underlying allergic disease. Immunotherapy works by gradually desensitizing the immune system, leading to long-term benefits.