Allergies? Test Your Limits: Allergy Testing in the U.S.
"Allergy examining is an essential tool for identifying allergens that trigger allergic reactions."
Allergy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions. With over 50 million Americans affected by allergies each year, knowing the cause of your symptoms is essential. You may need an allergy exam if you experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes or difficulty breathing.
In the United States, various types of testing are available, such as skin prick, intradermal, patch, blood and challenge testing. Allergy testing can help you identify the specific allergen causing your symptoms, allowing you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Whether in OKC or elsewhere in the country, consulting with an allergy doctor and having proper testing done can help you manage your allergies and enjoy a better quality of life.
How Do I Sniff Out If I Need Allergy Testing?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need allergy testing:
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
If you experience wheezing and coughing, you may have asthma symptoms.
You may need testing to identify the trigger allergen if you have skin rashes, eczema or hives.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulty, swelling of the face and even death.
If you are unsure whether you have allergies, allergy testing can help you identify the allergen responsible for your symptoms.
Allergy Testing in the U.S.: Find Out What Makes Your Body Freak Out
Picky About Pricks? Skin Testing For Allergies- Skin prick testing is the most common allergy testing method used in the U.S. This test involves placing a small number of allergen extracts on the skin, usually on the forearm, and then pricking to allow the extract to enter the skin. If you are allergic to the substance, the skin around the prick will become red, itchy and raised.
Prepping for Skin Testing- Before the skin prick test, you must stop taking antihistamines, decongestants and other medications that can interfere with the results. Before the test, you must talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Going Skin Deep- Similar to skin prick testing but with more oomph! The intradermal test involves injecting allergen extracts into the skin to diagnose allergies. This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and can detect allergens that the skin prick test misses.
Patching You Up- A patch test is used to identify allergic contact dermatitis, a type of skin allergy. After placing small amounts of allergens on a patch and applying it to the skin, doctors leave it on for 48 hours and then examine the skin for any reactions during a patch test.
Bleed the Truth- A blood test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood. The immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to an allergen. A high level of IgE antibodies in your blood indicates that you are allergic to the substance.
Bring On The Heat- A challenge test is done in a controlled environment, such as a hospital or doctor's office, to identify food allergies. This test consumes a small amount of the suspected allergen under medical supervision. During a challenge test, medical professionals monitor the patient closely for any signs of an allergic reaction.
When Doctors Diagnose You with a Fatal Disease
Such testing can provide many benefits, including:
Accurate Diagnosis: This can help identify the specific allergen causing your symptoms, which can guide your doctor in developing a personalized treatment plan.
Avoidance: Once you know which allergen triggers your symptoms, you can avoid exposure to it, reducing the frequency and severity of your allergic reactions.
Improved Quality Of Life: Allergy symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, causing discomfort, sleep disturbances and even missed days of work or school. Allergy testing and treatment can help alleviate these symptoms, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
At-Home Testing: Surefire Way to Confuse Pollen with Glitter
While at-home allergy testing kits are available, allergy doctors caution against using them as they are often unreliable and can produce false positives or negatives. In addition, at-home testing provides a different level of accuracy and specificity than in a clinical setting. It's best to consult with an allergy doctor and have testing done in a medical setting to ensure accurate results and proper treatment.
Breathe Easy with Proper Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment!
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, seeking help from an allergy doctor in OKC is essential. Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates offers comprehensive allergy tests to help diagnose and treat allergies. Our experienced doctors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward managing your allergies.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.