When you constantly sneeze or have a runny or itchy nose, you might easily turn to over-the-counter medications. However, such medicines might not be ideal when your symptoms last longer than two weeks, prompting the need for allergy testing. You should consider allergy testing Duluth if your symptoms are severe and recurrent.
Allergic testing can help you identify and manage your allergens, and it is important before you can receive allergy shots to minimize the severity of your allergic reactions.
What does allergy testing involve?
Allergy testing involves the introduction of suspicious allergens to your system. Your specialist will check the extent of the reaction to determine whether you are allergic. Depending on your condition, your doctor will choose either of the following allergy tests.
Skin prick testing
During a skin prick test, your specialist places a small drop of allergen on your inner arm. Then, they slightly scratch the skin under the allergen so that it can enter your skin. Your doctor will suggest waiting for around 15 minutes before assessing the extent of the reaction. If you have a red and raised bump on your skin, it means you are allergic to the substance.
Intradermal skin test
You might undergo an intradermal skin test if your skin prick test is inconclusive, but your symptoms indicate allergies. Your doctor will inject the allergic substance into your skin during the test. The test checks for allergic reactions from medicines and insects.
Blood testing
Your doctor can suggest blood testing when the other types of allergic testing are ineffective. Other reasons for a blood test might include a health condition that inhibits skin testing, you take medications that might alter your skin results, and you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction.
Benefits of allergy testing
While you can occasionally experience allergic symptoms, you need to understand whether you have allergies. The following are the benefits of allergy testing.
Identify and manage your allergies
One of the most significant benefits of allergy testing is identifying your allergens. Whether you have food allergies or your allergies stem from environmental factors, your allergist can help you identify them. Your specialist can recommend skin or blood testing according to your health condition and needs.
Once you identify your allergens, it is easier to avoid or manage them. You can incorporate strategies to manage your allergic reactions, including wearing a medical bracelet, carrying an EpiPen, and letting those around you know your allergens.
Avoid severe allergic reactions
You should consider allergy testing to avoid severe allergic reactions which are life-threatening. If your reactions are severe, you might experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and blood pressure drop. When you know your allergens, you can avoid them to prevent such reactions.
If you frequently suffer from severe allergic reactions, visit the Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC, for allergy testing. The highly qualified specialists will evaluate your condition and symptoms before recommending the most suitable type of allergy testing. Call or book your appointment online to identify your allergens and manage your allergic reactions.
