Allergy Testing Services Questions and Answers
Allergy testing requires testing by an allergy specialist. At Suburban Healthcare Associates we are here to help, and we offer allergy testing services. For more information, call us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, and Joliet IL.


Table of Contents:
Does allergy testing really work?
How do I know what I’m allergic to?
What should you not do before an allergy test?
What types of tests are done for allergy testing?
Getting an allergy test is an exam that is performed by a trained allergy specialist. You need an allergy test if your body has an allergic reaction to a unknown substance, and the exam can be in the form of a skin test, blood test, or what’s called an elimination diet.
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to something in your environment, like pollen. Overreaction can cause sneezing, running nose, itchy, watery eyes, or blocked sinuses. These can affect daily living and may be uncomfortable.
There are a number of substances that can cause allergic reactions, which include inhaled allergens, inserted allergens, or contact allergens. Allergy tests have you exposed to a very small amount of allergen and your doctor records the reaction.
In general allergy skin tests are very reliable for diagnosing allergies to airborne substances, like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Skin testing may also help diagnose certain food allergies, but since they are complex, additional testing may be required. Blood testing is another effective method and is used when a patient is taking medication that may interfere with skin-testing, or the patient suffers from severe condition, such as psoriasis or eczema. You should always avoid home allergy tests and get help from a healthcare provider.
A doctor may diagnose your allergies based on your symptoms, triggers, and test results. If your reactions are more severe and medications are not helping, an allergist may do a skin test to find out what your triggers are. You may need to book a number of appointments with the doctor for a final conclusion on what you are allergic too. You can expect to see an allergist more than once or twice, and in some cases three or four times, for your allergy to be determined.
Before your allergy test, your doctor will ask you a number of questions involving your family history and your lifestyle. You will also be asked to not take the following medications before your test as they might affect the results: over the counter and prescription antihistamines, certain heartburn medications, and anti-IgE monoclonal antibody asthma treatment, omalizumab (Xolair), benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), and tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil).
There are a few different tests performed for allergy testing. Skin tests and patch tests will help identify a number of potential allergens, and blood tests (used if you might have a severe allergic reaction to a skin test) will also detect major allergens. Then there is an elimination diet, which involves food. This entails removing certain foods from your diet and adding them back in later on; your reactions will help determine which foods is causing your problems.
If you think you have an allergy, then consult with your doctor. This is the way to get to the bottom of matters. Allergies can be a pain and they may interrupt your daily life, even sleep. When it comes to problems, there are solutions, and your doctor may help identify what allergy or allergies you have and offer treatment. If you experience sneezing, or have itchy, watery eyes, or a runny nose, you should see your doctor. Knowing what allergy you have, and how to treat it, will help you enjoy life.
Visit suburban healthcare associates for more information. Call us or schedule an appointment online! We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Woodridge IL, Wolfs IL, Warrenville IL, Crystal Lawns IL, Romeoville IL, Lockport IL, Crest Hill IL, Shorewood IL, Gilletts IL, and Fairmont IL.


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