Allergy Testing Reading Answers
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Experta en el extranjero | Updated On - Jan 6, 2023
Allergy Testing Reading Answers contains sample answers about allergic reactions that are triggered by different allergens. Allergy Testing Reading Answers contains 14 different questions. IELTS Allergy Testing Reading Answers comprises two types of questions: match the allergic characteristics with the test and complete the summary. Candidates are required to read the IELTS Reading passage to answer which tests have the given characteristics. Candidates need to thoroughly go through each paragraph to note the keywords and complete the summary by choosing the correct answer from the given box of options. Candidates gain proficiency on diverse topics by undertaking IELTS Reading practice papers.
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Section 1
Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions
Allergy Testing Reading Answers
Allergic reactions are triggered by the contact, inhalation, or ingestion of a number of different allergens. Some of the most common allergens are made up of proteins found in plants, mould, food, venom, animal skin, and medication. Symptoms of allergic reactions range from mild irritation such as itching, wheezing, and coughing to life-threatening conditions related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal organs. Serious allergic reactions are more likely to result from food, drugs, and stinging insects. A person does not become allergic to a particular substance until after the first exposure. However, in some cases, even trace amounts of a substance, such as peanuts or seafood in a mother's breast milk, can cause an allergic reaction in a subsequent exposure.
A variety of allergy tests are available for determining specific substances that trigger allergic reactions in individuals. Allergists, also known as immunologists, are trained in selecting the types of tests that are both safe and appropriate, depending on the suspected allergies. By using allergen extracts, tiny amounts of commonly bothersome allergens (usually in the form of purified liquid drops), immunologists are often able to isolate which substances cause reactions in allergy sufferers.
One of the most common types of environmental allergy tests is the skin-prick test. This technique involves placing small drops of potential allergen onto the skin of the forearm about one to two inches apart. After the drops are placed on the arm, a needle is used to puncture the skin at the site of each drop. (Though the procedure is virtually painless, this test is often done on the upper back of children to prevent them from seeing the needle.) If an allergy is present, an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) will activate a special cell called a mast cell. Mast cells release chemicals (also known as mediators) that cause itching and swelling. The most common mediator is histamine. Histamine is what causes the controlled hive known as a wheal and flare. The white wheel is the small raised surface, while the flare is the redness that spreads out from it. In an uncontrolled allergic reaction, wheals and flares can get much bigger and spread all over a person's body. Results from a skin test can usually be obtained within 20 to 30 minutes, while the reaction usually fades within a few hours.
Another test that is very similar to the skin-prick test is the intradermal allergy test. This involves placing the allergen sample under the skin with a syringe. The intradermal test involves more risk and is usually saved for use if the allergy persists even after a skin-prick test comes back negative. People who have experienced serious allergic reactions called anaphylactic reactions are not advised to have these types of tests. These allergy sufferers may be hypersensitive to even trace amounts of the allergens when they are introduced into the blood. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the whole body and is potentially life-threatening. Hives on the lips and throat can become severe enough to block the air passage. Anaphylactic shock occurs when enough histamine is released to cause the blood vessels to dilate and release fluid into the tissues. This lowers blood volume and can result in heart failure.
A blood test can be performed to safely isolate over 400 different allergies, including dangerous food and environmental allergens. The Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST) measures specific IgE antibodies using a blood sample. IgE is normally found in very small amounts in the blood; it is created as a defence mechanism when it senses an intruder. Separate tests are done for each potential allergen, and IgE results are graded from 0 to 6. For example, canine serum IgE will be high if a person has an allergy to dogs. The RAST is used if patients have pre-existing skin conditions or if patients cannot stop taking certain medications such as antidepressants or antihistamines for even a short period of time. (People must stop taking antihistamines several days prior to taking a skin allergy test because the medication can interfere with the results.) The RAST is a more expensive test that does not provide immediate results.
A number of other allergy tests are available, though many are considered unreliable according to The Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Applied kinesiology is a test that analyses the loss of muscle strength in the presence of potential allergens. Provocation and neutralisation testing involve injecting food allergens into the skin in different quantities, with the goal of determining the smallest dose needed to neutralise the symptoms. Sublingual provocation and neutralisation is a similar test, except that the allergens are injected underneath the tongue. Cytotoxicity testing involves watching for the reaction of blood cells after placing allergens on a slide next to a person's blood samples.
After using a reliable testing method, the cause of an allergic reaction is often identified, and a physician is able to help a patient develop a treatment plan with the goal of controlling or eliminating the allergic symptoms. Those who are allergic to furry pets, pollen, and plants are prescribed mild medication or taught how to control their reactions with simple lifestyle changes, while those with food allergies learn to safely remove certain foods from their diets. Allergy sufferers who are prone to anaphylactic reactions are educated about life-saving techniques such as carrying the drug epinephrine and wearing medical alert bracelets. As soon as people understand their allergies, they can begin to experience an improved quality of life.
Section 2
Solution and Explanation
Questions 1-7
The passage describes three different types of allergy tests. Which of the characteristics below belongs to which type of test? In boxes 1-7 on your Answer Sheet, write
A- if it is a characteristic of the skin-prick test.
B- if it is a characteristic of the intradermal test.
C- if it is a characteristic of the blood test.
- A substance is inserted beneath the skin with a needle.
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: involves placing the allergen sample under the skin with a syringe.
Keyword : placing, syringe, skin, allergen
Keyword Location: paragraph 4, line 2
Explanation: According to paragraph 4, the intradermal allergy test is a different test that is quite similar to the skin-prick test. In order to do this, a syringe must be used to inject the allergen sample under the skin. In most cases, the intradermal test is reserved for use if the allergy still exists even after a skin-prick test is negative and has a higher risk.
- It is often done on a patient’s back.
Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: This technique involves placing small drops of potential allergen onto the skin of the forearm about one to two inches apart.
Keyword : technique, allergen,
Keyword Location: paragraph 3, line 2
Explanation: According to paragraph 3, the skin-prick test is one of the most used kinds of environmental allergy tests. Using this method, tiny drops of a suspected allergen are applied to the forearm's skin, spaced one to two inches apart. A needle is then used to prick the skin where each drop was deposited after it was applied to the arm. Although the test is almost painless, it is frequently performed on children's upper backs to shield them from the needle.
- It is advisable for patients who have skin problems.
Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: The RAST is used if patients have pre-existing skin conditions or if patients cannot stop taking certain medications
Keyword : RAST, patients, conditions, medications
Keyword Location: paragraph 5, line 7
Explanation: According to paragraph 5, patients who already have skin issues or who are unable to stop using specific medications are given the RAST. Over 400 distinct allergies, including risky food and environmental sensitivities, can be safely isolated with a blood test. A blood sample is used to test particular IgE antibodies in the Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST).
- It is not advisable for patients who have had serious allergic reactions in the past.
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: People who have experienced serious allergic reactions called anaphylactic reactions are not advised to have these types of tests.
Keyword : experienced, allergic reactions, advised, tests
Keyword Location: paragraph 4, line 4
Explanation: The intradermal test carries a higher risk, according to paragraph 4. Furthermore, it is typically kept on hand in case the allergy returns despite a negative skin prick test result. These tests are not suggested for people who have had anaphylactic reactions, which are severe allergic reactions.
- It shows results within half an hour.
Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: Results from a skin test can usually be obtained within 20 to 30 minutes, while the reaction usually fades within a few hours.
Keyword : skin test, reaction, 30 minutes, hours
Keyword Location: paragraph 3, last line
Explanation: According to paragraph 3, findings from a skin test can often be acquired in 20 to 30 minutes. While the reaction normally subsides within a day or two.
- It can cause red and white bumps on the patient’s skin.
Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: The white wheel is the small raised surface, while the flare is the redness that spreads out from it. In an uncontrolled allergic reaction, wheals and flares can get much bigger and spread all over a person's body
Keyword: raised, surface, flare, allergic reaction, bigger, spread
Keyword Location: paragraph 3, lines 9-11
Explanation: According to paragraph 3, the white wheel is the tiny elevated surface and the flare is the redness that emanates from it. Wheals and flares can expand significantly and cover the entire body after an uncontrolled allergic reaction.
- It has a higher cost than other tests.
Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: The RAST is a more expensive test that does not provide immediate results.
Keyword : RAST, expensive, immediate result
Keyword Location: paragraph 5, last line
Explanation: According to paragraph 5, a blood test can be used to safely identify over 400 distinct allergies, including risky food and environmental allergens. A blood sample is used to test particular IgE antibodies in the Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST). Although it costs more, the RAST does not yield results right away.
Questions 8-14
Complete the summary of the reading passage below. Choose your answers from the box below, and write them in boxes 8-14 on your Answer Sheet. There are more words than spaces so you will not use them all.
|
Mould Smelling Avoiding Anaphylaxis Identify Antihistamine Signs Medicines Eating Causes Allergens Treat |
Allergic reactions result from touching, breathing, or 8……………………..certain substances called 9 ………………… Coughing or itching are two possible 10………………….of an allergic reaction. More serious allergic reactions may result from certain insect bites, foods, or 11……………………….. A severe allergic reaction is known as 12………………………. It can result in loss of blood volume and heart failure. Doctors can use a variety of tests to 13……………………the source of an allergy. Treatment may include taking medication or 14…………………………the substances that cause the allergic reaction.
Question 8:
Answer: eating
Supporting Sentence: Allergic reactions are triggered by the contact, inhalation, or ingestion of a number of different allergens
Keyword : allergic, ingestion, triggered
Keyword Location: paragraph 1, line 1
Explanation: As per paragraph 1, a variety of allergens can be ingested, inhaled, or come into touch with us to cause allergic reactions. The proteins present in plants, mould, food, venom, animal skin, and medications are some of the most prevalent allergens.
Question 9:
Answer: allergens
Supporting Sentence: Some of the most common allergens are made up of proteins found in plants, mould, food, venom, animal skin, and medication. Symptoms of allergic reactions range from mild irritation such as itching, wheezing, and coughing to life-threatening conditions
Keyword : allergens, proteins, reactions, irritation
Keyword Location: paragraph1, line 2-4
Explanation: As per paragraph 1, some of the most prevalent allergens are composed of proteins that can be found in plants, mould, food, venom, animal skin, and medications. The symptoms of allergic responses can range from minor annoyances like itching, asthma, and coughing to potentially fatal illnesses.
Question 10:
Answer: signs
Supporting Sentence: Symptoms of allergic reactions range from mild irritation such as itching, wheezing, and coughing to life-threatening conditions
Keyword : symptoms, allergic, reactions, irritation
Keyword Location: paragraph 1, line 4
Explanation: According to paragraph 1, allergic reactions can include anything from minor itchiness, asthma, and coughing to potentially fatal diseases. In particular, connection with the digestive and respiratory systems.
Question 11:
Answer: medicines
Supporting Sentence: Serious allergic reactions are more likely to result from food, drugs, and stinging insects.
Keyword : allergic, drugs, food
Keyword Location: paragraph 1, line 6
Explanation: According to paragraph 1, food, medicines, and stinging insects are the three main causes of severe allergic reactions. In this context, we can assume that "drugs" refers to medications.
Question 12:
Answer: anaphylaxis
Supporting Sentence: Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the whole body and is potentially life-threatening.
Keyword : allergic, affects, threatening
Keyword Location: paragraph 4, line 7
Explanation: As per paragraph 4, patients who have had severe allergic responses known as anaphylactic reactions are not encouraged to have these types of tests. These allergy patients may become hypersensitive to allergens when they are injected into the blood in even tiny levels. An allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be fatal, affects the entire body.
Question 13:
Answer: identify
Supporting Sentence: the cause of an allergic reaction is often identified, and a physician is able to help a patient develop a treatment plan
Keyword : identified,reaction, treatment
Keyword Location: Last paragraph, initial lines
Explanation: The final paragraph notes that the cause of an allergic reaction is frequently recognised after utilising a reliable diagnostic method. And a doctor can work with a patient to create a treatment plan that aims to reduce or get rid of allergic symptoms.
Question 14:
Answer: avoiding
Supporting Sentence: while those with food allergies learn to safely remove certain foods from their diets.
Keyword : food allergies, remove, food
Keyword Location: last paragraph, line 5
Explanation: In the last part, it is stated that a doctor can assist a patient in creating a treatment plan. It is created with the aim of reducing or eradicating allergy symptoms. Here, reducing or eradicating means avoiding.
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