Dr. Ranjeetha Shenoy

 When experiencing allergic symptoms, it is common to wonder which test will provide the right answers. However, there is no single "best" test for everything. A doctor will decide the most appropriate test based on the specific type of allergy suspected, the medical history, and current symptoms. Here is a guide to the three main types of allergy tests and when they are typically used. 1. Skin Prick Test This is the most commonly used allergy test because it is inexpensive, easy to perform, and provides rapid results. How it works: Drops of heavily diluted allergens are placed directly on the arm. The skin is then gently pierced through the drop using a tiny needle. The Results: If an allergy is present, a small, itchy bump (called a wheal) will typically develop. Results can be interpreted after just 15 minutes. Safety Controls: The test normally includes a drop of histamine (to ensure the skin reacts properly) and sterile water (a negative control to ensure the skin isn...

  What is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can develop quickly . It is most concerning when allergy symptoms affect the airway, breathing, or circulation . Food, insect stings, medicines, and latex are common triggers, but sometimes the trigger is not obvious at the time . Recognizing the Symptoms If airway, breathing, or circulation symptoms are present after a likely allergen exposure, treat it as an emergency . Airway: Swollen tongue or throat, tight throat, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice . Breathing: Wheeze, persistent cough, noisy breathing, or shortness of breath . Circulation / Brain: Dizziness, faintness, collapse, pale or floppy child, confusion, or severe drowsiness . Skin symptoms such as hives, itching, or swelling are common, but anaphylaxis can occur even if the skin looks normal . The Emergency Sequence Use the adrenaline auto-injector immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected . Adrenaline is the first-line emergenc...

It is incredibly frustrating for parents to watch a child's skin flare up without knowing the cause. Amidst sleepless nights and an unhappy baby, it is completely natural to look at the diet and request an allergy test for a quick, clear answer. However, when it comes to eczema, allergy testing is rarely a magic crystal ball. Here is why eczema testing is approached differently, and the recommended steps to help the skin heal. The "Skin First" Rule Most eczema is actually a "skin barrier" problem, not a food problem. Think of the skin like a leaky roof. If the skin is dry and broken, irritants get in and moisture gets out. The absolute first priority is "waterproofing" the skin. If the skin is not heavily moisturized and managed with the correct creams, the child is actually more likely to develop real food allergies later on. The Testing Trap Parents often ask for a blood or skin prick test to find the exact food causing the eczema. But testing for ec...

If you are a beekeeper and had a bee sting,  a severe reaction to your first sting can be an absolutely terrifying experience. Here is what you need to know about bee sting reactions and managing it. 1. Knowing the Difference: Local vs. Systemic Reactions The first thing a doctor will do is figure out exactly what kind of reaction you had. We look closely at the timeline, the type of insect, and most importantly, how your body responded. Reactions generally fall into two categories: Large Local Reactions: This is when the area around the sting swells up significantly. It can be painful, red, and incredibly itchy, and the swelling might even cross a joint (like a sting on the hand making your whole wrist swell). While uncomfortable, this is not a whole-body allergic emergency. Systemic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): This is the medical emergency you need to watch out for. It means the venom has triggered a reaction across your whole body, not just where you were stung. When to Get Urge...

  Having a baby who is constantly crying, uncomfortable, or struggling to feed can be exhausting for any parent. If your doctor suspects Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that CMPA is highly manageable, and most babies outgrow it completely. Here is a simple guide to understanding the allergy, your feeding options, and the next steps. 1. The Two Types of Milk Allergy Not all milk allergies are the same. Your doctor will first figure out which type of reaction your baby is having, as this changes how it is managed. Feature Immediate Reaction (IgE-Mediated) Delayed Reaction (Non-IgE Mediated) When it happens Minutes to 2 hours after having milk. 2 to 72 hours after having milk. Common signs Hives, lip or eye swelling, vomiting, wheezing. Reflux, severe colic, blood or mucus in poop, ongoing eczema, diarrhea, or constipation. How it is tested Allergy blood tests or skin prick tests can help. Diagnosed by a doctor based on ...