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How do allergy tests work?

Allergy testing

It often happens that people have an allergic reaction to something that they can’t explain. Whether an allergy is newly discovered or new altogether, it’s important to figure out exactly what is bothering you and the severity of the allergy. That’s why there are comprehensive allergy tests available to people of all ages. Rather than continuing to have attacks or not know how to manage symptoms, it’s best to get tested to identify allergies and plan how best to treat them.

Allergy symptoms 

Each allergy causes different reactions depending on the person who is allergic and how severely allergic they are to the specific allergen. Most often, symptoms of allergies will include:

  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness  
  • Skin rash, hives, blisters, swelling
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose, or sneezing 
  • Coughing, weezing, shortness of breath
  • Nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea 

Allergy symptoms can be and are often a combination of any reactions listed above. If symptoms are seriously impacting someone’s health and safety, it’s important to go to the emergency room. If it is not urgent, Breathe Clear Institute allergy tests will find the source of the allergens and come up with the best plan for management and treatment. 

Types of allergy tests

Just as there are many different types of allergens, there are different types of ways to test for allergies. Types of allergy tests include:

  • Skin or scratch tests
  • Intradermal skin tests 
  • Patch tests
  • Blood tests
  • Challenge tests

While there are at-home tests available these days, it’s best to meet with a doctor to go over results rather than descifiering them yourself. For best testing results, patients must clean their systems of any antihistamines before testing, up to five days prior to a scheduled appointment. This is because the doctor needs to see the body’s natural reaction to various allergens without anything blocking it. 

At our clinic, we perform the allergy skin test where 40 allergens are tested on a patient’s skin. These are not invasive and minimally painful, but patients can expect some irritation on the skin (much like a bug bite). Our allergy test appointments usually take about an hour, showing results within the first half-hour and going over those results with the doctor during the second half-hour. 

Together, the doctor and patient will go over what allergens to avoid, how best to steer clear of them, preventative care, and tertiary care for when an allergic reaction happens. Again depending on the severity of a reaction and how it impacts the person, different medication will be prescribed. 

Allergies can greatly affect everyday life and cause great discomfort, some even being life-threatening. However, they are easily tested for and there are plenty of treatment methods available to doctors and patients in order to help make everyday better for people with all types of allergies. 

Get relief today – Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute

Allergies are very common and usually easy to diagnose, manage, and treat. If there are any abnormal reactions to environmental factors, certain foods, things touched throughout the day, or poor reactions to any everyday surroundings, it’s best to come see us.

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