Allergy tests wrong?

[ptrbryant]

Quick background: since moving to the South, I've developed outdoor allergies...years of recurrent bronchitis, sinus infections, etc. About 3 years ago, I started taking shots for molds and ragweed...2x week STILL!

About 3 weeks ago, I had a full-blown anaphylactic reaction...was on IV's for the day. I'd been taking an herbal supplement for the past two months and, after the incident, stopped it. Symptoms faded. But, anytime we went for a drive through the countryside, I'd get worse respiratory allergy symptoms than usual. A couple days later, after eating soy cereal, I woke up with my lips swollen for the day!

My allergist had me do blood tests to determine the exact triggers. (It's been 3 years since my last skin tests. Since you have to be off all allergy meds for weeks prior to skin tests, blood tests best option).

Anyway, test results came back showing NO outdoor or soy allergies, but a strong reaction to eggs and milk!?!?! When I thought soy was the culprit, I'd mainly been eating macaroni and cheese, oatmeal and milk, etc. and all my symptoms (except when outside) disappeared.

How can this be?

(Sorry this got so long! We've got a December WDW trip planned and 'd hate to order exactly the wrong foods there!)

Karla B.

 

[LuvMickey36]

I know exactly where you are coming from! Did you have the prick/scrape skin test or did they put the bubbles under your skin? For us the bubbles were much more accurate.

From the time my ds 5 was born he had issues. All the bronchitis/allergy issues. He had tubes in & tonsil & adenoinds out at 2 and things got a little better. We thought he had asthma. It seemed to get worse as he got older. Constantly in the Dr. office or ER because he couldn't breathe. DS was tested last year(the bubble test) & it turns out he is allergic to Peanuts, Soy, Eggs, Beef, Pork, Rice & Coffee. And just about everything outside. He also gets 2 shots a week. Since having him tested he has been symptom free. Turns out he is not asthmatic, he was having allergic reactions. His quality of life has improved 100%!

You will most likely see a great improvement in your symptoms now that you know your allergies. Good Luck & have LOTS of fun reading food labels.

Disney is great with allergies! Make sure you note them on your ADR's. The counter service is a little trickier, but doable. Have a great trip!

 

[Wishing on a star]

First, I want to say that anyone with allergies should be very very careful/hesitant to use these herbals. They often contain things that can, and will, cause a cross reaction. As you found out by going into ana-shock!!!

The second thing about your prior allergies... I am NOT sure... but I would imagine that after years of immuno(shot)-therapy, those allergies could have been neutralized????

We are currently going thru allergy testing with our DS...

The above poster is right...

1. The 'symptoms' may not make sense with the underying allergy... (food allergies can cause respiratory and skin issues)

2. The scratch test alone is NOT enough... Have you had the needle/bubble tests???? The way the PA at the allergist explained it, the reason that they start with the scratch test is just a precaution, to identify possible major reactions, before they start to put everything under the skin.

My son reacted to nothing on the scratch tests, but EVERYTHING on the bubble tests!

 

[marlynnp]

You had the RAST test (blood), right????

The blood tests are the most accurate (and safest!). There is a high incident of false positives with skin tests. Change your diet, stop taking herbals and see if there is an improvement. You may want to follow-up with the Doctor to find out exactly what items were tested for. There are a couple hundred allergens they can check.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Could be a protein allergy or something else? Maybe something in the dairy specifically?

I don't know but I hope you get yourself some answers.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Actually, seems that I have also read that the blood tests are not as accurate. I think that it depends on the type of allergy/reaction... skin tests are more accurate with allergies that involve a strong 'histamine' reaction.. (as the OP reports...) But, not as accurate on other allergies that involve more of an autoimmune reaction without the high histamine factor... These are the ones where, I THINK, the blood tests are more useful.

Unfortunately, I don't think most allergist really buy into the blood tests and the different autoimmune type of reaction... around here, it is hard to find one who will order a lot of blood tests...

 

[ptrbryant]

Thanks, everyone! I have a follow-up with my allergist on Friday. I just have to make sure to explain that, while I truly respect her, I question the lab's test results.

Karla B.

p.s. I'll mention the bubble tests.