In susceptible people, factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume or other environmental irritants also may play a role. I wonder how many other people out there are going about their lives, maybe even pushing themselves like I was, unaware that they have asthma or another respiratory condition.
An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body but usually appears in the nose, eyes, lungs, lining of the stomach, sinuses, throat and skin. These are places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin.
Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to describe the allergic reactions that take place in the nose. Excess mucus may clog the airways. Sometimes a chronic cough is the only symptom. Asthma trouble can cause only mild discomfort or it can cause life-threatening attacks in which breathing stops altogether. Atopic and contact dermatitis, eczema and hives are skin conditions that can be caused by allergens and other irritants. Often the reaction may take hours or days to develop, as in the case of poison ivy.
The most common allergic causes of rashes are medicines, insect stings, foods, animals and chemicals used at home or work. Allergies may be aggravated by emotional stress. Anaphylaxis is a rare, potentially fatal allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at the same time. The trigger may be an insect sting, a food such as peanuts or a medication.
Symptoms may include:. Frequently these symptoms start without warning and get worse rapidly. At the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction, the affected person must go immediately to the closest Emergency Room or call Often, the symptoms of asthma or allergies develop gradually over time.
Allergy sufferers may become used to frequent symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or wheezing. With the help of an allergist, these symptoms usually can be prevented or controlled with major improvement in quality of life.
Effectively controlling asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. The allergist, with his or her specialized training can develop a treatment plan for your individual condition. The goal will be to enable you to lead a life that is as normal and symptom-free as possible. When To See an Allergist. Along with your medical history, allergy tests may be able to confirm whether a particular substance you touch, breathe or eat is causing symptoms. Information from allergy tests may help your doctor develop an allergy treatment plan that includes allergen avoidance, medications or allergy shots immunotherapy.
Skin tests are generally safe for adults and children of all ages, including infants. In certain circumstances, though, skin tests aren't recommended. Your doctor may advise against skin testing if you:. Blood tests in vitro immunoglobulin E antibody tests can be useful for those who shouldn't or can't undergo skin tests.
Blood tests aren't used for penicillin allergy. In general, allergy skin tests are reliable for diagnosing allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
Skin testing may help diagnose food allergies. But because food allergies can be complex, you may need additional tests or procedures. The most common side effect of skin testing is slightly swollen, red, itchy bumps wheals.
These wheals may be most noticeable during the test. In some people, though, an area of swelling, redness and itching may develop a few hours after the test and remain for a couple of days. Rarely, allergy skin tests can produce a severe, immediate allergic reaction, so it's important to have skin tests performed at an office where appropriate emergency equipment and medications are available. Before recommending a skin test, your doctor will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, your signs and symptoms, and your usual way of treating them.
Your answers can help your doctor determine if allergies run in your family and if an allergic reaction is most likely causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also perform a physical examination to search for additional clues about the cause of your signs and symptoms. Before scheduling a skin test, bring your doctor a list of all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can suppress allergic reactions, preventing the skin testing from giving accurate results.
Other medications may increase your risk of developing a severe allergic reaction during a test. Because medications clear out of your system at different rates, your doctor may ask that you stop taking certain medications for up to 10 days. Medications that can interfere with skin tests include:. Skin testing is usually done at a doctor's office.
Types of Allergy Tests Skin Testing Allergy skin testing is the gold standard and is used along with the medical history to find out exactly what things a person is allergic to.
A trained staff member performs the skin testing under the supervision of the allergist. The skin test is read and graded for the level of response. There are two types of skin tests: Prick or scratch test: In this test, a tiny drop of a possible allergen—something you are allergic to— is pricked or scratched into the skin.
This is also called a percutaneous test. It is the most common type of skin test. Intradermal test: This test shows whether someone is allergic to things such as insect stings and penicillin. A small amount of the possible allergen is injected under the skin through a thin needle. Blood Testing Blood testing involves a single needle prick, and medicine does not interfere with the results. Allergy Diagnosis Blood test and skin test results alone do not diagnose allergies.
Skin Testing FAQs. Who does skin testing to diagnose allergies? What can I expect during a skin test? How should I prepare for the test? Is the test safe? What do the skin test results mean? What happens if the skin test shows I have allergies? Take these steps: Avoid or limit contact with your allergens. Does health insurance cover skin testing for allergies?
Ask your insurance carrier: Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an allergist? Does my insurance cover patient education or special services for my allergies?
What allergy testing and medicines does my plan cover? Submit site search Need An Allergist? What Does An Allergist Treat? Who Gets Asthma? Close Modal Close Modal. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Cookie settings Accept.
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These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If the test says you are allergic to some foods, such as wheat, soy, eggs, or milk, you may stop eating those foods.
You may end up with a poor diet, unnecessary worries and frustration, or extra food costs. If the test says you are allergic to cats or dogs, you may give up a loved pet. And tests for chronic hives—red, itchy, raised areas of the skin that last for more than six weeks—can show something that may not look normal but is not a problem.
However, this can lead to anxiety, more tests, and referrals to specialists. Allergy tests can cost a lot.
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