Dandelion Allergy Test

A Dandelion Allergy Test detects IgE antibodies in the blood to determine if you are allergic to dandelions and their pollens.

Ragweed plants like dandelions produce pollens from the late summer months to fall. These pollens can get carried away with the help of wind and travel to different areas. Your immune system may find these pollens as foreign substances and generate an immune response. Pollen sensitivities are widespread, and dandelion allergy affects many people during the pollen season.

A person becomes allergic when allergens are inhaled, ingested, or entered through the skin. When this happens, some of the common symptoms that an individual may experience are:

• Sore throat
• Hay fever
• Sneezing
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Eye irritation
• Wheezing
• Sinusitis
• Headaches

These symptoms are linked to an antibody your immune system produces known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). Every IgE antibody can be particular and react against specific allergens and pollens. Thus, an individual may be allergic to one type of pollen or allergen but not another.

When an individual is exposed to an allergen or pollen, the body produces large numbers of similar IgE antibodies. The subsequent exposure to the same pollen or allergen may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms largely depend on the amount of exposure an individual has encountered to the allergen.

Dandelion allergy is more common in children. However, a first-time occurrence can occur at any age and continue recurring.

Some factors may play an essential role in the development or severity of allergies, such as:

• Stress
• Perfume
• Smoke
• Environmental irritants

Out of all the symptoms that may be triggered during an allergic reaction, some symptoms like headaches, sinusitis, or wheezing can be difficult and may keep you awake at night. Some individuals who are extremely allergic to dandelion may also experience asthma.

Your doctor may order a dandelion allergy test to diagnose your disease and symptoms. Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive dandelion allergy test that can help you find out the actual causes of the allergy.

Along with medications, you can also incorporate some preventive measures for an allergic reaction. Avoiding exposure to allergens or pollens and staying indoors when your local pollen count is high is one of the best ways to prevent symptoms. 

Medically reviewed by Dr Jatin Ahuja, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.