In 70% of cases it is a pseudo-allergy: 5 ways to distinguish allergies from other diseases

According to the World Health Organization, 30% of the world’s population now suffers from allergies. It can manifest itself in response to animal hair, pollen, or food. However, only 1-10% of the population experiences a “revolt” in their immune system. In another 70% of cases, we are talking about false allergy, the manifestations of which are very similar to the real one. Jolanta Langauer, president of the International Naturopathic Medicine Association, says how to differentiate these conditions, says preventive nutritionist, non-pharmacist, aromalogist and parapharmacist.

Jolanta Language

Real and fake allergy: what’s the difference?

Allergy is an immunological reaction of the body of a pathological nature. It proceeds by the production of antibodies against a particular substance, often proteins of different origin. False allergy is a false allergic reaction with similar symptoms, but there is no immunological stage in its development. This means that there is no particular substance that acts as an allergen and antibodies are not secreted.

Why does false allergy occur?

Most often, an incorrect reaction of the body occurs against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If you also use foods that contain histamine or cause its increased production (and these are aged cheeses, red wine, preservatives, fermented foods, semi-finished products), the gastrointestinal tract will react first. It signals the activation of mast cells, causing an increase in body temperature, skin rash, pulmonary spasm and a feeling of stuffiness.

These symptoms are also characteristic of true allergies, but the nature of their appearance is completely different. The so-called allergy can also develop against the background of a violation of the process of histamine inactivation in liver diseases, increased intoxication of the body or long-term drug therapy.

5 Ways to Differentiate a False Allergy from a True Allergy

While the symptoms of the two conditions are similar, there are also differences. Knowing them, we can assume what kind of disease we are dealing with.

– time of manifestation. True allergies are diagnosed from birth. If for the first time an adverse reaction to food or other substances occurs in a child older than one year or an adult, this is a manifestation of false allergy.

– The regularity of symptoms. An allergic reaction is recorded only during the first contact with a potential allergen, but if it is absent during subsequent contact, it is most likely false. False allergy “floats”, and its manifestations depend on many factors. But when the real body encounters the same substance, it makes itself felt with the same symptoms.

– A dose of addiction. An incorrect reaction is directly related to the amount of product consumed. For example, a person eats three or four pieces of chocolate and the body does not react in any way. However, undesirable symptoms occur with daily use or large portions. In this case, we are talking about pseudo-allergy, since the manifestations of the real one do not depend on the dosage of the allergen.

– Cross reaction. A false allergy is always expressed in the same way. There may be a skin rash, dizziness, increased anxiety. Signs of reaction are recorded. A true allergy makes itself felt by the release of mast cells in the body, and therefore the symptoms are complex.

— Laboratory diagnostic methods. The first analysis that must be passed to clarify the diagnosis is the indicator of total immunoglobulin E. If it is in the range of average values, it is a pseudo-allergy. To confirm this, you need to determine the level of diamine oxidase. When it is not enough and there is an excess of histamine, a diet low in food is prescribed with this agent and its rescuers.

If the result of the study is outside the normal range, an analysis for specific antibodies is required. It will help determine which allergen triggers the body’s reaction. However, laboratory tests are not always sufficient to make a diagnosis. Therefore, the patient should independently monitor the manifestations of symptoms. Such observations will help to more accurately determine the presence of a false or true allergy.

In general, any undesirable reaction of the body, similar to an allergic one, is a reason to consult a doctor. Self-administration of antihistamines can only harm if you have a so-called allergy. Carefully monitor your condition, do not be lazy to take tests to get a complete picture, and let the doctor choose the best course of treatment for you.