Allergy - Oak Test

Oak Trees are big in height and found in 600 extant species. During Spring, Oak trees are fulfilled with leaves and sends oak pollen into the air. Oak trees normally pollinate in March, April and May, with more pollen appearing in the early morning hours. Oak pollen allergy symptoms are like other pollen allergies. While most symptoms of oak pollen allergies are mild and self-limiting, serious allergic reactions can occur. The allergy that happens due to oak trees is known as Allergic Rhinitis and commonly called as Hay Fever is a reaction caused by inhaling airborne particles, such as pollen.

You don’t require any special preparation for this. There is no need of doing fasting for this test. Oak allergy symptoms are nasal congestion, cough, runny nose, decreased sense of smell and taste, sinus pressure that cause facial pain, runny nose swollen, bluish-coloured skin beneath the eyes, scratchy throat. Some people suffer a temporary partial hearing loss when symptoms are severe. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever occurs during specific flowering periods during pollen season when plants are shedding their pollen. In general, trees flower in the spring, grasses in the summer and weeds in the fall.

Lack of redness or swelling on a skin test indicates no allergic response. In an inhalation test, the exhalation capacity should remain unchanged. In a food challenge, no symptoms should occur. Presence of redness or swelling, especially over 5 mm (0.25 inch) in diameter, indicates an allergic response. This reaction does not mean the substance causes the child's symptoms, however, since he or she may have no regular exposure to the allergen. In fact, the actual allergen may not have been included in the test array. Following allergen inhalation, reduction in exhalation capacity of more than 20 percent, and for at least 10 to 20 minutes, indicates a positive reaction to the allergen and the sensitivity of the individual being tested.

The allergist will first ask you about your medical history. Make sure to tell them if the symptoms are only present or get worse at certain times of the year. The allergist will then perform a skin prick test to determine the specific allergen that’s causing your symptoms. During the procedure, the allergist will prick different areas of the skin and insert a small amount of various types of allergens. If you’re allergic to any of the substances, you’ll develop redness, swelling, and itchiness at the site within 15 to 20 minutes. You might also see a raised, round area that looks like a hive.