If you get the sniffles a few times a year, especially when the pollen count is heavy, you may have seasonal pollen allergies. Or perhaps your eyes water and your nose itches when you visit your friend who owns a cat-that's an obvious clue that you might have cat allergy. Your doctor may advise that you simply take an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine and/or decongestant to relieve your symptoms. But what if your symptoms persist? At this point you should consider allergy testing.
Allergy Testing Is a Simple Procedure
To treat you properly your doctor must determine exactly what you are allergic to and how severe your allergies are. Allergy testing is an important tool your doctor uses to identify the specific substances that are causing your problems. These may include pet dander, old, pollen, dust mites, cockroach debris, bee stings and even certain foods.
If you've put off a visit to the doctor because you dread the thought of skin pricks and needles, be aware that suffering from the symptoms of allergies is much worse than any test or treatment your doctor may recommend. Allergy testing is a simple procedure, even for a child.
Types of Allergy Tests
There are two basic types of allergy testing: the skin test and the blood test.
Skin Test Method: The skin prick test is the most common allergy test used. It can be done on your arm or your back. Your doctor will write numbers on the area being tested. Each number represents a specific allergen. Drops of the suspected allergens will be placed on your skin. Then your doctor will gently prick or scratch the skin under the droplet. If you are allergic to a specific substance, you will develop a raised red bump, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. The bump may itch and resemble a mosquito bite but will usually disappear within a short period of time. Another method of skin testing is the intradermal test. In this test a small amount of the allergen is injected under the top layer of the skin. Your doctor may relay on this test for additional information because the intradermal method is more sensitive than the skin prick method.
Blood Test Method: Blood tests (also called RAST or ELIZA tests) are used when skin testing is not an option. For example, if you have skin problems such as eczema that might be irritated by skin testing; or if you have teen taking a medication such as an antihistamine or antidepressant, that could interfere with the results of a skin test. These tests usually cost more, the results are not immediately available and they are typically not as sensitive as the more common skin test.
No matter which test your doctor decides to use, he or she will also perform a physical examination and ask you specific questions about your allergy symptoms. It is important that you are accurate and thorough while describing your symptoms, including when and where they typically occur. This way you and your doctor can work together to find out exactly what's been "bugging" you!
Online Resources
The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
The American College of Allergy and Immunology
 |
