Allergy Testing in Spain

No matter the season, allergies can hit at any time. In winter, you may experience the classic symptoms of sneezing and a runny nose. This could be due to the icy cold air, or it could be an indication of an underlying allergy. In spring, your eyes might itch or water, or you might have a skin reaction or rash when coming in contact with certain materials. If you’re unsure of the cause of your symptoms, it may be best to go for allergy testing to begin a process of elimination.

Living in a different country, in this case Spain, can seem like a minefield when it comes to requesting medical examinations etc., so read on if you want to discover how to get allergy testing in Spain done with the Spanish healthcare system. 

Why get allergy testing?

In many cases, you can be allergic to something and not know it. Allergies are not necessarily linked to family history, although it can be a factor. There are numerous cases of children with allergies whose parents do not suffer from any. Additionally, you can develop allergies at any age, so it's advised to undergo allergy testing regularly because symptoms can come and go, disappear, or worsen. Testing will confirm or rule out an allergy.

If you've been suffering from any of the below symptoms, it is advisable to speak with a medical professional about allergy testing:

• Red, watery, or itchy eyes
• Mucus, sneezing, or swollen nose
• Coughing, asthma attacks, and breathing difficulties
• Dry, red, or irritated skin. Small welts or burning skin.
• Sudden heartburn, vomiting or diarrhea.

As soon as you detect several reaction symptoms, the most sensible thing is to go to a medical center to be seen by a professional. Sometimes it will be enough for you to take the antihistamine that is prescribed, but in other cases you will have to go to the emergency room to have the problem resolved quickly and effectively. By knowing about your allergy history, you can avoid emergency situations, and save yourself a big scare, time, money, and headache. 

The allergy testing process

The first step in the process is to book an appointment with your médico de cabecera (GP) and explain your symptoms. He or she will then recommend you to a doctor specialising in allergology. In this scenario, patience is key - the process can often be long-winded and involves a lot of waiting. You are normally called by an operator some time after (impossible to say how long - it depends on the demand and/or availability of the specialists) who offers a list of possible appointments. At the appointment, the allergist will determine which type of allergy testing is most suitable.

The great news is that allergy testing is extremely safe and only on very rare occasions do serious reactions occur. Bear in mind that some types of medication can interfere with the results, so it’s important to stop taking short-acting and long-acting antihistamines before the test to ensure accuracy.

Types of allergy tests in Spain

There are four main types of allergy testing in Spain offered through the Spain public healthcare system:

• Skin prick allergy testing
• Patch tests
• Blood tests
• Challenge testing

Read more below on each to discover which is the most appropriate, and find out the Caser healthcare coverages at the very bottom of the article. 

Skin prick allergy testing

This allergy test checks for immediate reactions to up to 40 different substances at once. It involves putting a drop of a substance you may be allergic to onto your forearm before pricking your skin. After 15-20 minutes, an itchy red bump (which tends to be more than 3 mm wide) will appear if you are allergic to the substance. This helps detect allergies to airborne substances, including pollen, pet dander and dust mites. 

The duration of the prick test is just 15 minutes and does not require the patient to be admitted, unless a very serious reaction occurs, which is unlikely considering that the allergens are applied in mild and controlled doses.

It is important not to take any prior medication and to avoid antihistamines or corticosteroids that could hide reactions or alter the results. As for food, it is generally not necessary to go on an empty stomach. It is recommended to wear clothing that allows you to easily uncover your arms and back, the most common areas where allergens are applied. And finally, you should avoid taking the test during pregnancy.

Patch tests

This allergy test involves adding the allergen to a metal disk which is then attached to your arm for 48 hours to check for a reaction. This helps detect contact allergies that take longer to develop, including fragrances, dyes, and certain medications.

Blood tests

This allergy test can be performed in conjunction with the skin prick testing and involves removing a sample of your blood to analyse for the antibodies produced by your body to fight against an allergen.

Challenge testing

Challenge testing can also be known as food testing (higher risk). You are given the food which you might be allergic to in order to monitor the reaction closely. This type of allergy testing is always carried out in a medical clinic where the reaction can be monitored and treated instantly.

Caser Expat Insurance healthcare coverage

If the long waiting lists for allergy testing in the public healthcare system is a concern or you simply want to speed up the process, it may be worthwhile considering taking out a private health insurance. All Caser health plans offer allergy testing carried out by a specialist and with reduced waiting lists.

One of the services that Caser offers is quick access to diagnostic tests so that allergy specialists can help you know what type of allergic reaction you have. Caser Expat Insurance offers a variety of healthcare policies:

• Integral: Perfect family health insurance.
• Activa: Best health insurance for young adults.
• Adapta + Sonrisa Esencial: No copay health insurance that includes dental healthcare.
• Adapta + Sonrisa Esencial + Repatriation: Health insurance including repatriation coverage.
• Inicia: Caser's most affordable medical insurance.
• Medica: The best medical insurance to combine with Social Security in Spain.
• Prestigio: Comprehensive health insurance with reimbursement. 

Visit Caser Expat Insurance and check out the different coverages of each policy. Or you can learn more about each plan by downloading the free guide below: