Q.: I have asthma. Can I play sports?
A.: The patient with asthma can not only play sports but it is highly recommended. However, it is best not to play sports outdoors when the air is cold and dry and avoid the middle of the day during pollen season. Do not exercise if you have a cold. The most suitable sports are: swimming, cycling and jogging.
Q.: I’m taking antihistamines that were prescribed by my medical doctor for allergy symptoms. Can I test for allergies?
A.: Antihistamines should be discontinued for at least 10 days prior to the prick test. Failure to do so can result in “false negatives” on the test.
Q.: Can I do a prick test if I have hives?
A.: The prick test can be done at any time; however, it is contraindicated, for obvious reasons, in case of large and severe skin lesions, particularly on the forearms.
Q.: I was diagnosed with a food allergy to wheat: does this mean that I am a celiac?
A.: Absolutely not. Wheat allergy and celiac disease are very different diseases.
Q.: At what age can allergy testing begin?
A.: Even at a few months old, but there must be a clinical history suggestive for IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
Q.: At what age can desensitization begin?
A.: According to the guidelines, desensitization can begin at five years of age, but recent clinical studies demonstrate the safety of specific immunotherapy even at a younger age.
Q.: How long should I continue specific immunotherapy (SIT) (vaccine)?
A.: There is no clear timeframe based on scientific evidence. Generally, a period of 3-4 years is indicated. SIT is suspended when the patient notices a marked improvement and a significant reduction in symptoms that were present at the beginning of treatment, for at least a year.
Q.: Should SIT be discontinued during pregnancy?
A.: Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication, but the doctor should evaluate whether or not treatment should be followed.
Q.: At what time of year can allergies be tested for?
A.: Allergy tests can be performed at any time of the year. However, it is advisable to avoid testing when the patient shows very pronounced symptoms.
Q.: Are “Vegatest”, “DRIA” and “Tricotest” useful and reliable tests?
A.: These are non-validated non-reproducible tests that are considered useless and devoid of any scientific value.
