I’ve struggled with allergies for many years now, or at least I think I have. Truth is that I’ve never actually been tested for any as it’s not really a service that my GP surgery covers. I’m sure that they make exceptions for those with more severe allergies, but for people like me with just a hunch and a stuffy nose it’s not really an option.
The crazy thing is that rather than having me tested, I’ve been prescribed hundreds of pounds’ worth of medication instead. Like most people, I’d much prefer to find out how to prevent these symptoms happening in the first place rather than treating them when they arise.
Thankfully we’re all now living in the 21st century and can order a kit online that can identify our reactions to 294 different allergens. Armed with the knowledge that allergen-testing companies like Klarify can offer, those of us who’ve struggled to pin down the cause of their symptoms can start to make lifestyle decisions to suit our bodies.
Why should I get tested?
Even if you’ve not noticed any allergies before, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have any. You may have inadvertently avoided a particular trigger thus far, or perhaps mistakenly attributed some symptoms to something else entirely.
It’s even possible to develop allergies to things as you get older that you’ve never reacted to before. Growing up, I was surrounded by six pet cats that I’d play with each day. Now I’m in my thirties however, my eyes become itchy and I begin to sneeze whenever I encounter my furry friends.
For people like me who suspect they might have an allergy, but only display mild symptoms, the benefits are clear. It’s easy to just get by with something like a perpetually stuffy nose or a skin complaint. The impact it can have on your day-to-day life though shouldn’t be underestimated. A stuffy nose for instance can have implications for asthmatics, hinder exercise regimes, and cause problems sleeping.
Klarify’s website guides people through the process of allergy testing, and lists a lot of symptoms that’s worth looking out for. Here’s just a handful of some of the more common allergic reactions we often experience. If you find that you suffer from one or more of these symptoms quite often, it’s possible that you may be allergic to something you’re regularly in contact with without knowing.
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Skin reactions
- Sore throat
- Bloating
- Nausea
What does the test entail?
It’s simple really. Klarify’s test kits include a small lancing device to prick your fingertip with. Once you’ve collected a few drops of blood in the tube, it’s just a case of sending it off in the enclosed pre-paid envelope.
Reports are ready within two weeks, providing info on your sensitivity to a wide range of allergens. These include different types of pollen, pets, moulds, various foods, and much more.
What happens after that?
Only a registered doctor can officially diagnose an allergy. If your report alerts you to anything that you find concerning, it’s always a good idea to talk over your results with your GP. From there you may be offered treatment tailored to your allergy, or even referral to an allergy specialist.
Once you have an idea of what might be causing your symptoms though, it makes it a lot easier to take steps to avoid your triggers. If you find that you’re sensitive to pet dander for instance, it might be time to leave your job at the cattery. Similarly, those with an egg-white allergy will be able to study the ingredient lists of any pre-packaged goods.