## Is it an allergy? Many people know that allergies are manifested by a runny nose, tearing, and itchy rashes on the skin. Additionally, there are several other signs including nausea, digestive disorders, peeling and reddening of certain areas of the skin, difficulty breathing in and out, frequent sneezing, itching in the nose and throat, conjunctivitis, swelling of mucous membranes, and swelling of the face and hands. If you have a suspicion that your symptoms are due to an allergen, it is worth undergoing diagnostics to understand who your hidden enemy is. ## Blood test for eosinophils and immunoglobulin E The results of this will show ===whether or not you have an allergic reaction in your body. You will not be able to identify a specific allergen, but it is worth starting there. The normal values for immunoglobulin E are: - Children under 1 year old — up to 15 IU/mL - Children under 10 years of age — up to 90 IU/mL - Adolescents under 16 years of age — up to 200 IU/mL - Adults age 16 and over — up to 100 IU/mL The normal value of eosinophils is less than 500 units/μL. ## Skin test To identify a specific allergen, a skin reaction to contact is tested. The test is typically performed in several stages: first the reaction to the most common allergens (e.g. pollen) is tested, and depending on the body's response specific types of this type of allergen are selected (elm, maple, willow and more). After taking the tests, you should consult an allergist-immunologist with the results to develop an allergy control method. These two methods are not used in acute allergies, since the body can give false-positive reactions when it is agitated.