Frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, a long-lasting cough or wheezing: many people live with these symptoms for years, taking anti-allergy tablets from the medical store whenever things get bad. But without knowing exactly what you are allergic to, and whether your lungs are affected, the problem keeps coming back. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains why proper allergy diagnosis is important.

Why diagnosis matters

1. To find your exact triggers. Allergy can be caused by dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander, cockroaches, certain foods or workplace substances. Once your specific triggers are known, you can take targeted steps to avoid them instead of guessing.

2. To rule out other conditions. Symptoms that look like allergy may actually be due to sinus infection, nasal polyps, non-allergic rhinitis, recurrent infections, or even TB in the case of long-lasting cough. The right diagnosis leads to the right treatment.

3. To check whether the lungs are involved. Nasal allergy is closely linked with asthma. A long-lasting cough, wheezing or breathlessness may mean the allergy has affected the airways, which needs proper treatment to prevent damage and attacks.

4. To plan long-term treatment. In selected patients, allergen immunotherapy (allergy vaccine shots) can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over time. This is possible only when the exact triggers are confirmed by testing.

Tests that may be advised:

• Detailed history and examination: when symptoms occur, where, and what makes them worse
• Skin prick test: tiny amounts of common allergens are placed on the skin to see which ones cause a reaction
• Allergy blood tests: such as specific IgE tests to identify particular allergens
• Blood counts, including eosinophils, which may be raised in allergy
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT / spirometry): to check whether allergy has affected the lungs
• Chest X-ray or other tests, if needed, to rule out other causes

Some anti-allergy medicines can affect skin test results, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before testing. Your doctor will advise whether any need to be paused.

See a doctor if allergy symptoms keep coming back, last for weeks, disturb your sleep or daily work, don’t improve with medicines, or come with cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com