More than 70% of asthma patients in Islamabad have dust mite allergy. Without allergy testing, asthma never fully controls despite inhalers. At Islamabad Respiratory Clinic (IRC) G-11 Markaz, we have advanced skin prick allergy test, IgE blood test and allergy immunotherapy (vaccine) facility under supervision of Pulmonologist in Islamabad.
What is Skin Prick Allergy Test?
We put small drops of common allergens (dust mite, pollen, cat dander, dog, cockroach, fungus, grass) on your forearm and do a tiny prick with lancet - no blood. After 15-20 minutes, we measure which allergen makes red bump (wheal) >3mm. It tells exactly what you are allergic to. Test is safe, no pain, result same day.
Preparation: Stop anti-allergy tablets (cetirizine, levocetirizine) 5 days before test, otherwise test becomes false negative. You can continue inhaler and nasal spray.
Common Allergies in Islamabad
- Dust mite (Ghar ki dhool) - 70% most common: Beds, pillows, carpets me hota hai. Subah chheenk, naak band, khansi.
- Pollen allergy (March-April & Aug-Sep): Paper Mulberry in Islamabad - severe in spring. Eyes itching, continuous sneezing.
- Mold / fungus (Seelan wali dewar, AC filter): Dark rooms, bathrooms.
- Cat/dog dander: Pet owners me chronic cough.
- Cockroach allergy: Kitchen dust.
- Food allergy causing nasal symptoms: Egg, milk rarely.
Treatment After Allergy Test - 3 Step Plan
Based on skin prick result, Dr. Jehangir Khan gives 3-step plan:
1) Avoidance measures: Dust mite proof covers, weekly hot water wash 60°C, vacuum with HEPA, remove carpets, keep humidity <50%. Pollen season me mask, windows closed morning time.
2) Anti-allergy medicines and nasal spray: Modern non-sedating antihistamines + steroid nasal spray + asthma inhaler if needed.
3) Allergy immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) for permanent cure: Available at IRC G-11. Small doses of allergen given weekly then monthly - makes body tolerant. Course 3 years, success 80% for dust mite and pollen.
Allergy Vaccine (Immunotherapy) - Permanent Cure?
If you have severe dust allergy for years, taking daily cetirizine, allergy vaccine can cure it permanently in 3 years. It is like corona vaccine - small doses of allergen given sublingual (under tongue) or injection to make your body tolerant. Works best for dust mite, pollen, cat allergy. Started after spirometry test confirms asthma control. We provide imported vaccines.
Allergy Test Cost in Islamabad
Skin prick test cost depends on number of allergens (20, 40, 60 panel). At IRC G-11, cost is affordable compared to large hospitals. IgE test extra. Allergy vaccine cost monthly. Call 0343-1510025 for current price - we keep transparent pricing for G-11 community.