Modern tech enhances allergy diagnosis

Here’s good news and bad news for allergy sufferers. The bad news is that millions of cases of allergy remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Even for those who have been diagnosed, there are no immunizations or complete treatment for allergies. Experts are one in saying that the best prevention is to be aware of the triggering factors and avoid them.

"The Philippines is not exempted from the rising prevalence of allergy worldwide. Hence, it can benefit from the latest technology that can diagnose early, and help prevent or at least minimize the discomforts and disability caused by allergy," Dr. Kjell Kristiansen, regional director for Asia of Sweden-based Pharmacia Diagnostics, said during his recent visit here.

Kristiansen laments that many are still unaware of even the common symptoms of allergy like recurring cough and running nose with sneezing usually early in the morning. These are usually treated as respiratory infections when in most cases, they are actually allergy problems.

They are given various cough preparations and antibiotics, which only give palliative or temporary relief. The only way to prevent them from recurring is identifying and avoiding the allergens, which are substances causing allergy.

Prof. Benigno Agbayani Sr., MD, one of the pioneers in allergology in the Philippines and a professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, says that a major strategy for a more effective control of allergy in the country is for general practitioners to have a high level of consciousness when they deal with potential allergy cases.

"They are the first line in recognizing and treating these allergic conditions, including the more severe ones such as anaphylactic shock, sudden severe swelling or edema of the throat, and acute skin lesions called urticaria," Agbayani explains.

To address this concern, Mt. Gilead Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, in cooperation with Trianon Diagnostics, exclusive Philippine distributor of UniCAP 100E, the latest state-of-the-art allergy diagnosis system, will be sponsoring a symposium entitled "Explore a New Era in Allergy Diagnosis" on March 20, 6 to 8 pm, at the Alabang Country Club.

Agbayani is one of the three prominent figures in Philippine allergology, who will lecture on allergy, autoimmune disease, asthma and allergy diagnosis. Drs. Linda Lim-Varona and Marysia Recto will also be part of the powerhouse cast of speakers for the symposium. Varona will speak on "Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease," while Recto will lecture on "Allergy Testing."

Mt. Gilead Laboratory, well-known for its modern facilities, and Trianon Diagnostics are inviting all medical practitioners and interested parties to take this opportunity to explore a modern approach in allergy diagnosis. Interested physicians may contact Trianon Diagnostics at 892-0723 to 24 for more details.