Allergy Without Myths: Modern Approaches to Diagnosis and Management

A Serious Medical Challenge

Allergic diseases today are not just statistics; they represent one of the most widespread health problems faced by millions of people worldwide. Allergy can appear at any age - even in the first months of life. It is a chronic reaction of the immune system to various substances in the environment, which requires attention, proper diagnosis, and competent monitoring.

Allergic diseases affect not only a person’s physical condition but also the quality of daily life. They can influence sleep, nutrition, normal activity patterns, and the patient’s emotional state. The earlier the causes of allergic reactions are identified and the triggering factors determined, the easier it is to establish an effective disease control strategy and maintain normal comfort in daily life.

Allergy in Children - The Beginning of the Journey

In children, allergic reactions often start with food intolerances or skin manifestations, such as atopic dermatitis. Food allergies occur in approximately 8–10% of children and are particularly noticeable in early childhood when the immune system is actively developing. Without timely diagnosis, these conditions can gradually transform into respiratory allergies — a phenomenon known as the “atopic march.” [1]

Allergy in Adults - New Triggers

In adult patients, respiratory allergies are more common and are caused by dust, plant pollen, animal dander, and mold. Even if no allergies were present in childhood, sensitization to allergens can occur later due to environmental factors, diet, or lifestyle.

Global Statistics

Globally, one of the most common types of allergy is allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), caused by a reaction to plant pollen. [2]
Such seasonal reactions occur in a significant portion of the population and can substantially reduce quality of life during peak pollen periods.
According to the National Public Health Agency, reported cases of allergic rhinitis caused by plant pollen have increased from 8.6 to 13.9 cases per 10,000 people in recent years. [3]

Allergy Prevalence in Different Countries

International studies show that the prevalence of food and other allergies varies significantly between countries:

United Kingdom: up to 44% of the adult population has at least one allergic reaction, making the country one of the leaders in adult allergy prevalence worldwide. [4]
China: among children, one of the highest rates of food allergy is observed — approximately 8.7%. [5]
USA: about 10% of children suffer from asthma — one of the highest rates in the world. [6]
Japan: the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children is approximately 15%, making Japan one of the countries with the highest rate of skin allergies. [7]

These differences can be explained by dietary and environmental specifics, as well as study methodology. However, they clearly demonstrate that allergies are a global health problem, not a local phenomenon.

Situation in the Republic of Moldova

In the Republic of Moldova, respiratory allergic reactions — primarily related to Ambrosia pollen (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) — play a leading role among allergic diseases. According to recent studies of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, sensitization to Ambrosia pollen was registered in approximately 52.9 % of participants tested for specific IgE antibodies, and surveys showed that 80.8 % of patients reported symptoms associated with Ambrosia. [8]

To prescribe effective treatment, it is necessary to carry out accurate and comprehensive allergy diagnostics, which include the following steps:

• Detailed medical history and evaluation of patient symptoms
• Laboratory testing for specific IgE and IgG antibodies to identify reactions to individual allergens
• Skin allergy tests (Prick Test) to determine immediate sensitization to various allergens
• Multiplex allergen panels, allowing simultaneous testing for a wide range of allergens
• Consultation with an allergist who evaluates results and develops a personalized treatment plan

Innovative Diagnostic Methods at Invitro Diagnostics

At Invitro Diagnostics, we use modern, highly precise laboratory methods that allow for the most comprehensive and safe identification of allergens. Our approach includes:

• Multiplex tests (ALEX 2 IgE, FOX, respiratory and pediatric panels) — allow evaluation of the body’s reaction to hundreds of allergens with a single test. This reduces diagnostic time, increases accuracy, and provides the doctor with a complete picture of sensitization.
• Personalized interpretation of results, taking into account age, symptoms, and coexisting chronic conditions
• Psycho-immunological aspect: we consider that stress and emotional state influence the severity of allergic reactions

Our Laboratory Tests

1. FOX - Food Intolerance Test (286 Products)
   Blood test for IgG to identify the body’s reaction to 286 foods and additives. Allows detection of immediate food intolerances causing discomfort, inflammation, and chronic symptoms.

2. ALEX 2 IgE - Screening for 295 Allergens
   Highly sensitive analysis measuring Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels to a wide spectrum of allergens: medications, pollen and plants, dust mites, helminth allergens, fungal and mold allergens, food allergens of plant and animal origin, molecular food allergens, and epidermal allergens. Suitable for children and adults.

3. Pediatric Allergen Panel (27)
   Comprehensive analysis for children, including 27 of the most common environmental and food allergens. Helps doctors develop an effective individualized prevention and treatment plan.

4. Inhalant Allergen Panel
   A blood test that detects the presence of specific IgE antibodies to allergens that are most commonly inhaled and can trigger respiratory allergic reactions. This test helps identify allergies to pollen, dust, animals, and mold fungi, providing important information for the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or allergic conjunctivitis.

Disease Control - When Allergy Is Under Control

Allergy control is not only about eliminating symptoms but also systematically managing triggers. The main elements of successful control include:

• Reducing exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen or trigger foods)
• Medication according to doctor’s prescription (antihistamines, corticosteroids, etc.)
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy
• Regular consultations and therapy effectiveness assessment

This approach helps reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and prevents chronic complications.

If you have allergy symptoms or questions about your test results, schedule a consultation with an allergist or general practitioner at +37378903999 via message or call.
 

Sources:

[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.868872
[2] https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82

[3] https://ipn.md/en/deciziile-pot-fi-contestate-la-serviciul-fiscal-de-stat-in-termen-de-30-de-zile-de-la-data-comunicarii-lor
[4] https://vitality-pro.com/de/statistics-trends/allergies-uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[5] https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/allergy-rates-by-country
[6] https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/4/e080612
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12167089
[8] https://repository.usmf.md/handle/20.500.12710/28194