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Idiopathic Allergy - General Comments |
'A diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis is a confession that we do not have a clue, and we should say so' says Dr Harry Morrow-Brown, an allergist of many years' experience. For more of Dr Harry's case histories, check out www.allergiesexplained.com |
In finding the cause of anaphylaxis it is most helpful if the patient can tell you what they ate, or what they were doing just before the attack. If they have kept the labels from the suspect food or foods it can be easy to identify the cause, but a detailed history is the most important part of the consultation. This is when the 'Prick-Prick' test, when you prick the fruit and then prick the patient, can be very helpful, but is seldom possible in a clinic or hospital unless the patient brings the suspect materials at another visit. There is no significant risk of triggering an anaphylactic reaction from a skin prick test, but you should have adrenaline readily available anyway. Case History Sandra is 56 and comes from a very allergic family, most of whom I have seen over many years, and she has an identical twin who has very similar problems. Father died of asthma, and another sister, her two daughters, and two grandchildren all have asthma. Sandra has had asthma since infancy, triggered by dust, cats, horses, and birds, and she also has seasonal hay fever, but the respiratory allergies are relatively easily controlled with inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, and occasional oral steroids. For more of Dr Harry's case histories, check out www.allergiesexplained.com First published in 2007 • If this article was of interest you will find many other articles on unlikely allergies and allergy connections here – and links to many relevant research studies here. |