Testing for allergies is at the core of a successful treatment plan. Using methods like skin prick allergy testing, Atlanta allergists can identify the exact allergens responsible for reactions. But while many people suspect that they’re dealing with one or more allergies, most never take the time to look further and get tested by a professional allergist. Watch the following video broadcast by CNN to learn more.
An Introduction to Skin Allergy Testing With Dr. Chacko and Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look at allergies, and Dr. Chacko explains how skin testing is used to determine a person’s sensitivity to various substances. Can an allergic tendency be inherited? Dr. Gupta answers here.
Well, spring is in full swing. That means the flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and for 35 million people in the United States, seasonal allergy symptoms have also arrived.
So CNN’s Joyce Joseph takes a look at how to determine if that sneezing and sniffling is a cold or in fact an allergy. More importantly, how you can get some relief.
“I can’t breathe. My nose it seals up like a door is shut. It’s like that I can’t breathe anymore. Constantly sneezing, runny eyes.”
Like millions of Americans, Trey Gregory has seasonal allergies also called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
“Seasonal allergies are generally allergies to different polons specifically the springtime is usually the trees. Sometimes generally the grasses and full time generally the weeds.”
An allergic reaction is the immune system’s response to an allergen. Some of the symptoms are runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing.
“At the peak of suffering from my seasonal allergies, I had to avoid the outdoors pretty much the entire spring. Take the worst head cold you’ve ever had, remove being tired, and that’s it for me three months out of the year, all spring. It was miserable.”
Seasonal allergies and colds have similar symptoms, but if your symptoms come on suddenly and occur at the same time every year, chances are you have allergies. To be sure, you can get tested by an allergy specialist.
“There’s either skin testing or blood testing. Skin testing is doing little scratches on either your arm or on your back, and if you’re allergic you’ll get red and itchy swell up and you’ll know those results within about 10 or 15 minutes.”
With blood testing the lab looks for levels of the antibody called IGE in a patient’s blood. Levels are higher in people who have allergies.
“There’s no way you could essentially prevent allergies. There are ways you could treat it to make it less miserable, or to make it tolerable so you can live your life the way you like to live it.”
Try to limit your time outside on high pollen count days and especially on days that are very dry or windy. A saline nasal rinse can help clear allergens from your sinuses. For more relief, start with antihistamines. If you need something stronger, your doctor may prescribe steroids. And if you can’t avoid your allergens and other medications just don’t give you enough relief, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy are an option.
Trey’s allergies were so severe he chose immunotherapy and it worked for him.
“No problem. It’s the best thing I ever did to treat my allergies easily.”
Allergies can affect anyone, at any age. And people with a family history are at greater risk. But it doesn’t mean they’re going to inherit a particular allergy, just a likelihood of having some kind of allergy.
You can log on to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology at aaaai.org for more information on allergies as well as a link to pollen and mold levels in your state.
Why You Should Get Professional Allergy Testing
With many types of allergies impacting people in Atlanta, narrowing down which allergen is causing a reaction is crucial for planning the proper treatment. Here is why testing matters.
- Get an accurate and reliable diagnosis.
- Receive a personalized treatment plan.
- Allows better lifestyle and dietary choices.
- Prevents severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
Dr. Chacko and Dr. Sanjay Gupta Give Tips for Prevention and Treatment of Allergies
Dr. Chacko can help you learn how to prevent and treat your seasonal allergies. To learn more, schedule an appointment with the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center at one of our clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at (678) 668–4688.