Re: Re: scratch tests show no mold allergy?!?

[Guest guest]

In addition to the questions of accuracy and sensitivity of scratch

tests for allergy already discussed (or for any of the other

methods for testing for allergies) there are questions about which

molds are being tested and whether or not your reactions are

allergic reactions.

Not all reactions are allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are a

very specific reaction identified by IgE activation of mast cells (by

mold proteins) which typically result in inflamation, tears and

runny nose. However, there are other allergic reactions including

rashes and less obvious symptoms with internal organs.

Also, allergy testing for mold uses spores. However, the cell walls

of spores and the rest of the " mold plant " (hyphae) include

another half dozen or so components other than the proteins

involved in allergic reactions. These other types do not trigger

allergy but can trigger other types of reactions.

Non-allergic reactions to mold and other substances are very

common but less understood because most of the focus has

been on allergy - because it is better understood and has

reasonably reliable testing available. Non-allergic reactions

(whether from mold or other sources) can result in irritation, toxic,

neurotoxic, hormonal disruptions, mood changes, cognitive

disruption, GI tract, heart racing or skipped beats, breathing

difficulties (asthma and others), muscle aches and pains and just

about anything else our body can experience.

Mold (fungi) is an entire Kingdom of organisms like the Kingdom

of plants or the Kingdom of animals or the Kingdom of bacteria.

So " mold testing " is a bit of a misnomer. Does the testing for any

one mold mean you had " mold testing? " You might be severely

allergic to Aspergillus but Aspergillus wasn't included in the test,

for example.

Also, each " mold " such as Aspergillus is a genus composed of

many species, each of which may have several varieties. Sort of

like animals limited to felines focused on house cats (rather than

lions or tigers) which may have Abyssinian or Burmese, each of

which have different colored fur or other characteristics. BTW,

there is more than one protein for cat allergens so you can be

allergic to some cats but not all cats. Which cat were you tested

for? Which mold(s) species and varieties were you tested for?

Allergist tend to focus on allergy. Reasonable enough. But they

should be aware of NON-allergy so they don't make the mistake

of concluding that a negative allergy test means the same as a

negative reaction to ANY exposure.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

The allergist I saw first did scratch tests (of which nothing came up) then

tested for the same things by injecting each substance into my arm. He said

these tests are 100 times more accurate than the scratch tests.

I then reacted to the foods I expected to, as well as 3 molds.

ita

--- In groups (DOT) com, Michal <michalvictoria@...>

wrote:

> But given how I react to mold. how could I NOT be allergic?

> Has anyone else in this group tested negative for mold in scratch tests?

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