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Nina & Peter

Nina and Peter were both diagnosed with a birch allergy at the age of 14 after they each experienced stuffy noses and itchy red eyes during late spring and early summer. Skin-prick tests to birch were positive in both cases and they were each prescribed antihistamines and oral steroids to use during birch pollen season.

Now they are 19 years old and while Peter’s seasonal symptoms have stayed the same, Nina’s have worsened. They are also both experiencing oral symptoms when eating apples. Nina has intense itching in her mouth, while Peter has painful discomfort in his throat and swelling of his mouth and lips. Their healthcare professionals recommend testing to identify their underlying allergen triggers.

peter's Results

ImmunoCAPTM Whole Allergen and allergen components test results indicate that Peter has a birch pollen allergy and an apple allergy. He needs to strictly avoid apples and carry epinephrine. His birch allergy treatment remains the same.

Nina's Results

But Nina’s test tells a different story: her results indicate a birch pollen allergy and birch pollen-related apple allergy, which could explain her symptoms during the spring. A birch-pollen associated apple allergy means Nina may continue to experience itching in her mouth when she eats raw apples, but she may be able to eat cooked apples without problems. Nina may also experience similar oral symptoms when she eats raw hazelnuts, pears, carrots or celery, due to cross-reactivity with a protein found in birch pollen.

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Birch

Apple

Am I Allergic?

Why it’s important to know

Many people are so used to living with their allergies that they never think that they should have their healthcare professional reassess their initial diagnosis. Just because you know what you were allergic to a year ago doesn’t mean you know everything you’re allergic to today. Retesting can help reduce unnecessary allergen avoidance and play an important role in your quality of life or the life of someone you love. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional.

Learn more about testing

The people, places and events depicted in these photographs do not represent actual patients, nor are they affiliated in any way with the attached case study or Thermo Fisher Scientific.