Allergy, Oak in Periya Lake, Chennai

Oak (genus Quercus) comprises approximately 500 species of trees and shrubs. Its pollen is commonly allergenic and can cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies identify a harmless foreign substance as invasive and release histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins (pro-inflammatory mediators).

The severity of the reaction may vary based on individual susceptibility to oak pollen. Mild allergic reactions include the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose
• Itching sensation in the throat, nose, or mouth
• Wheezing, coughing, or tightness in the chest

If a patient is particularly susceptible to oak pollen, they may experience more severe conditions such as:

• Facial swelling
• Conjunctivitis
• Dermatological conditions (hives, rashes, and eczema)

Dermatological issues due to an allergy can cause excessive itching, leading to substantial skin damage. 

In extreme cases, an allergic reaction to oak pollen can cause anaphylaxis. The condition can be fatal if one does not receive immediate medical attention. Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wet or sweaty skin
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• A drop in blood pressure

An oak allergy test can diagnose an individual’s reaction to oak pollen. The test can also determine the specific allergen (pollen type) responsible for causing the allergy.

Assessment of an individual's reaction to allergens can help evaluate the following:

• Associated allergic conditions and severity levels
• Probability of anaphylactic shock 
• Necessary sensitization levels before commencing immunotherapy
• Response to other allergens, including drug, venom, and chemical components

The allergy test is conducted through in-vitro serum testing, where the patient’s specimen is exposed to different kinds of oak pollen, after which the resulting concentration of IgE antibodies is assessed. IgE concentrations above 0.7 ku/L indicate an allergic reaction.

Allergens are chosen based on the factors listed below:

• Patient’s age
• Prior exposure to allergens
• Current pollen season 
• Manifestation of symptoms

In some cases, a patient specimen can display a lower concentration of IgE antibodies when exposed to allergens. However, this may be temporary and does not necessarily indicate the absence of an allergic reaction. Test results that display a reduced sensitivity to oak pollen can help evaluate any changes in the IgE concentration levels in the future.

Common medications that can help with an allergy include Clarinex-D, Allegra-D, and Xyzal. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also helpful in providing relief to mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and nasal congestion.

Anyone with a history of respiratory problems, such as asthma, should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms, regardless of severity.

Apollo 24|7 has a comprehensive oak allergy test that assesses an individual's reaction to the allergens present in oak pollen. It helps detect:

• Reaction severity and associated allergic conditions
• Treatment options (immunotherapy)