The Single-Most Important Step in Controlling Allergy Symptoms

A lot of allergy sufferers try to detect the cause of their allergies.  They might think they are allergic to grass only to find out they are very allergic to mold. They might swear they are allergic to the cat and find out it is dust mites causing the problem.  And, these different allergic triggers warrant slightly different treatment plans.  

ALLERGY SKIN TESTING – The Most Important Step

 So, the very first step in reaching effective control of your allergy symptoms is identifying your personal allergy triggers especially if you have had little success in treating your symptoms.  This is accomplished by undergoing allergy skin testing by a board-certified allergist. In one appointment with the allergist, your triggers will be identified and a treatment plan that might be as simple as a few changes in your home environment will be discussed.

 ALLERGY SKIN TESTING – No Needles

 No needles are used to test for allergens such as grasses, trees, weeds, mold, dust mites, and foods. To test, your skin, usually your back, will be brushed with a tip of a plastic applicator to which a drop of each allergen has been applied.  Most patients say the procedure either tickles or they don’t feel anything. A few patients say the procedure either tingles or feels like a tiny scratch. After the allergen is applied, the results are read in about 20 minutes by a nurse. The nurse will be looking at how many hives develop on your skin.  As the hives develop, you could experience some itching. The size and redness of the hive helps the allergist determine which allergens are causing your allergic reaction. After the nurse documents the results of the skin test, lotion will be applied to your skin to alleviate any itching.

A Collection of Over 100 Skin Testing Allergens

You don’t want to miss being tested for something you are allergic to. That’s why over 100 testing allergens are stocked at every location of Allergy & Asthma Specialists.  It is very important that an allergy skin testing facility have an extensive collection of testing allergens.  Some facilities may limit the number of testing allergens to the most common types of grasses, trees, animal dander and foods.  At Allergy & Asthma Specialists, you can be tested for the most common offenders such as pollen and anything more uncommon from lettuce to parakeet feathers to rare forms of mold.

Infants, children and adults can be comfortably and reliably tested.

At your visit, the allergist will take an extensive medical and environmental history to help determine your personalized skin testing panel. An effective testing panel can typically consist of 48 to 68 allergens.  Once the testing results are read and evaluated and the triggers identified, the allergist will develop a treatment plan that might be as simple as identifying the right medication or tips on avoiding the allergen.

The Best Time for Allergy Testing – Anytime

 You do not need to be experiencing any allergy symptoms at the time of your testing visit to be evaluated for allergies. Our skin testing methods will accurately determine what allergens cause your symptoms even if you are not experiencing the symptoms.

In fact, if you are a seasonal allergy sufferer, it is wise to get your treatment plan started before your difficult time of year.

The Best Result – Improved Quality of Life

Individuals who have suffered long term with allergy symptoms often don’t realize how much better they can feel.  You sleep more soundly.  You lose the dark circles under your eyes or find relief from red, itchy eyes.  You stop snorting or coughing or clearing your throat. Most patients who have their allergies properly diagnosed and treated realize a greatly improved quality of life. And that is a most important accomplishment.

Schedule an appointment at any of the 8 convenient locations online or call 610-825-5800, extension 2.

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