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Allergies are a common problem which can affect you seasonally, or throughout the year. They can make you miserable, causing breathing difficulties and other unpleasant signs and symptoms. Allergy testing from your allergist is the first step toward achieving relief.

What You Need To Know About Allergy Testing

Allergies can cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Itchy, scratchy eyes
• A runny or congested nose
• A rash on your skin

If you have a severe allergy, it can be life-threatening, so you need to seek out emergency services as soon as possible.

If you suffer from allergies in the spring and summer, chances are you might be allergic to:

• Plant or flower pollens
• Weeds or grasses
• Trees or shrubs

If you suffer from allergies throughout the year, chances are you might be allergic to:

• Pet dander and fur
• Dust and dust mites
• Mold or mildew

If you experience allergy issues after eating certain foods, chances are you might be allergic to:

• Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Dairy
• Gluten

You won’t know for sure what is causing your allergies until you have allergy testing. There are several types of testing, including:

Skin tests, which involve injecting a tiny amount of the substance under your skin and watching for swelling, redness, or a rash. This is a positive reaction.

Challenge tests, which involve ingesting or inhaling a small amount of the substance and observing for breathing difficulties, nausea, a rash, or other signs and symptoms.

Blood tests, which involve taking a small blood sample and sending it to a laboratory, where it is tested against various substances.

When you know what you are allergic to, you can try and avoid the substance. Your allergist can also help you get relief and may recommend:

• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Prescription-strength decongestant medication
• Prescription-strength antihistamine medication

Want To Know More About Allergies and Allergy Testing?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, testing, and treatment of allergies, talk with an expert. Call your allergist today.