Allergological skin tests for inhalant allergens, lung treatment, sleep disorders

Allergological skin tests for inhaled allergens are one of the key diagnostic methods for detecting allergies that affect the respiratory system. These allergies can be triggered by numerous particles that we inhale, such as pollen, house dust, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. When our immune system recognizes these substances as a threat, it can overreact, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and itchy eyes. In order to find out which specific allergen the organism reacts to, allergy skin tests are used, which are simple, painless and very effective. This process helps doctors to accurately identify the cause of allergic reactions and propose adequate therapy, which significantly improves the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic allergies.

Allergological skin tests are performed in a simple and safe way under the supervision of a specialist doctor. The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin, usually on the forearm or back, which is cleaned with alcohol to remove dirt and grease, allowing better absorption of allergens. After that, a small amount of solution containing certain inhalant allergens, such as pollen, animal hair, mites or mold, is applied to the cleaned skin. Usually, several allergens are used at once, in order to test for different substances. Then the doctor uses sterile lancets to gently scratch or prick the skin where the allergens have been applied. This procedure is painless and the patient usually feels only slight pressure.

After applying the allergen, the patient stays in the office for about 15-20 minutes in order to monitor any possible skin reaction. If there is an allergy to one of the tested substances, redness, swelling or itching will appear at the application site, similar to a reaction to a mosquito bite. The doctor then measures the size of the reaction and compares it with control samples, in order to determine which allergens the patient is reacting to. The reaction usually subsides within a few hours, and possible symptoms, such as itching, can be alleviated with antihistamines. This test is fast, non-invasive and represents one of the most reliable methods for diagnosing allergies.

The duration of an allergy examination, including skin tests, usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The process of applying the allergen and gently scratching the skin takes a few minutes, while the most important part is waiting for the reaction, which lasts about 15-20 minutes. After reading the results and evaluating the reaction on the skin, the doctor performs a final consultation, explains the results and, if necessary, recommends further therapy or additional tests. All in all, the examination is fast and efficient, and the patient soon gets a clear picture of his allergic reaction.