Had an allergy test taken as part of diagnosis for allergic rhinitis at SGH today. It has irked me enough to go for a $80.95 (before GST) consultation with a Senior Specialist. (Endoscope: $204, Allergy test: $75, Knowing exactly why your nose leaks like a tap for no apparent reason: Priceless)
Result was that I am Grade 4+ (highest possible) allergic to Blomia Tropicalis and 3+ for D.Pteronyssinus and Elaeis Guineensis. The first two greek terms represent common dust mites found in Singapore. The nurse told me the third one was some type of grass and spent 5 mins at the treatment room trying to find me a picture at to no avail. Found out after googling that Elaeis Guineensis is a type of oil palm originating from Africa. It’s as good a reason to not visit the continent.
Apparently we have it in our Little Green Island as well. Not surprising since our neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia produce 83% of the world’s palm oil combined. You can find the Elaeis entry on our NPark’s FloraWeb webbie. Its a treasure trove of information on over 1900 species of plants found in Singapore. And for every single one they actually tell you details like whether it prefers full sun, half sun or tanning in the shade with a nice refreshing glass of pina colada.
In any case, will go research more about this palm’s pollen to see if it is what causes me to have rashes when in contact with grass.
Ok, just did, it’s insect-pollinated. Which doesn’t tell me much. I actually want to see if this allergy combined with the dust mites one can get me a downgrade from NS. Like, cannot go outfield cannot stay in dirty bunks so ne’er mind lor don’t fight war.
Come to think of it, I didn’t pay $75 just to watch a dust mite allergy video and know what allergies I have. Don’t I need to know if I should avoid certain foods or body products?
About 90% of the palm oil produced finds its way into food products, with industrial uses accounting for the remaining 10%. Palm oils are used in a wide variety of foods, primarily margarine, shortening, and vegetable cooking oil. Palm oil is used as a replacement for cocoa butter and butter fat, and in ice cream and mayonnaise. It is stable at the temperatures used in deep frying, and is used quite often for fried foods. Per capita consumption of palm oil specifically is unknown, but Americans consumed 84.7 lbs of fats and oils in 2004. About 45% of this is margarine and shortening, two major products containing palm oil.
Zomg. What if I had a picnic and ate a sandwich with palm oil magarine and.. and.. died!
I’m gonna have a BF!
I’m gonna write a letter!
