Tommy is a playful 10-year-old boy who loves sports. He loves going to games, rooting for his favorite teams on TV, and most of all he loves playing on his little league baseball, soccer and hockey teams. But he’s spending more and more time during games irritated by his constant runny nose. And after games, he complains to his dad that his throat is scratchy. Tommy’s dad, having suffered through seasonal allergies when he was a kid, decides it’s time for Tommy to get tested. Tommy’s healthcare professional orders an ImmunoCAPTM Whole Allergen blood test.
An ImmunoCAPTM Whole Allergen blood test result shows that Tommy is allergic to dust mites and Bermuda grass pollen. So, Tommy doesn’t need to stop playing outdoor sports, but he needs to minimize his exposure to what he’s allergic to. Reducing his total exposure may be enough to lessen or eliminate his symptoms. Tommy’s healthcare professional was able to develop a management plan to keep his allergies under control—and Tommy back outside.
Most people with allergies—up to 80%— are allergic to more than one thing.1 And for some of these people; symptoms may only appear when they encounter two or more things they’re allergic to at the same time. That’s why Tommy started having symptoms after being outside: it’s not that he’s allergic to grass pollen, it’s that he’s allergic to dust mites AND grass.
Tommy and his dad worked with his healthcare professional to help reduce his contact with the things that cause his allergy symptoms. He recommended that they cover all of Tommy’s bedding, especially the mattress and pillows, in zippered dust mite and allergy-proof covers to help limit his exposure to dust mites. He also recommended that Tommy stop taking antihistamines when he doesn’t have symptoms. Reducing Tommy’s exposure to dust mites and grass pollen helped to decrease his symptoms so he could enjoy his time outside.
Many people are so used to living with their symptoms that they’ve never considered asking for help. Knowing what’s causing your symptoms can help you achieve relief now, and avoid more serious issues in the future. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional.
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.