Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening, especially when you don’t know what to do. Allergy testing allows you to seek treatment and help you identify your allergens. While there are home kits available for allergy testing, it is best to seek the services of a Silver Spring MD allergist to avoid complications and further treatment costs.
An allergist can help you identify your allergens by performing various allergy tests, which might include skin or blood tests.
What are allergies, and how do you test them?
An allergy is a condition whereby your body reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. You can smell, ingest or touch a foreign substance which can elicit a severe reaction in your body. Common allergens include certain foods, medications, and other substances like dust, mold, pet dander, and cold weather or substances.
Depending on your allergic reactions and health condition, your allergist can test your allergies using various tests. One of the most common allergy tests is the skin test, whereby your doctor places a small amount of allergen solution on your skin and makes a small prick beneath the solution. You will wait around 15 minutes to check for changes that can indicate an allergic reaction.
To check whether you are allergic to certain medicines or insect bites, your doctor can inject you with a diluted version of the allergic solution to check your reaction. If you are not eligible for a skin test, your specialist can order blood tests. Blood tests can be ideal if you suffer from severe allergic reactions or take medications that might interfere with results.
What are the benefits of allergy testing?
The following are common benefits of allergy testing.
Identify allergens
Brushing off allergic reactions, especially when they are not severe, is possible and common. However, it is important to identify your allergens when they become frequent and occur in different areas. Your specialist will conduct various allergy tests to identify your allergens and help you create a plan to minimize or avoid them.
Minimize severe reactions
Once your doctor determines the causes of your allergic reactions, they create a treatment plan for you. The treatment plan can include preventative measures and treatment options. If the preventative measures are ineffective, the next step is to employ the treatment options, which include carrying an EpiPen everywhere you go. An EpiPen is useful and can be life-saving, especially when you have breathing difficulties.
Control your environment
You can adjust your environment to minimize allergic reactions when you identify what causes them. For example, you can steer clear of dusty areas to prevent reactions. You can organize a cleaning crew to help you clean your home if you are apprehensive about reacting due to exposure.
If you have any symptoms of allergic reactions, visit the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland for treatment. The allergists at the center will evaluate your condition and perform necessary tests to identify your allergies. Call or schedule your appointment online to manage your allergies.
