Visiting your Atlanta allergist’s office for professional allergy testing lets you know precisely which allergens are triggering a reaction. Yet unfortunately, common myths prevent many patients from seeking a professional diagnosis, and we will examine some of the most prevalent misconceptions below. We also break down everything you need to know about allergy testing in our time-saving infographic – and remember to help friends and family by sharing it on your social media.
What Are the Myths and Misconceptions About Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing is vital to managing allergies to food, pollen, dust, mold and various other allergens. If you or your child display any symptoms after allergen exposure, don’t let false information prevent you from being tested.
Myth 1 – At-Home Tests Are as Effective as Professional Allergy Testing
At-home tests are often unreliable at diagnosing an allergy, with organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommending against these IgG tests due to the lack of evidence for their efficacy. In contrast, professional allergy testing (used alongside clinical history and symptom analysis) produces reliable results. For example, one study found that the addition of professional IgE testing to the clinical assessment process reduced uncertain diagnoses by over 80%.
Myth 2 – You Must Stop All Medications Before an Allergy Test
In fact, you should only stop taking medications under certain circumstances, and at your doctor’s direction. When you get tested for allergies using a skin prick test, antihistamines can interfere with results. However, if stopping this medication is an issue, blood testing is an alternative assessment with fewer restrictions.
Myth 3 – Allergy Testing Is Painful
Allergy testing is a safe, comfortable process that rarely triggers severe reactions. Patients may feel some mild discomfort as the needle pricks the top layer of the skin (skin prick testing) or draws blood for analysis (blood testing).
Myth 4 – Allergy Tests Are Not for Children
Parents of children with allergy symptoms can visit their local allergist without fear. Allergy testing is safe for children, even for infants who may react to milk and other foods. With children who are susceptible to allergies, care is taken to make pediatric allergy testing quick and stress-free for young patients.
Myth 5 – A Positive Test Means You Definitely Have an Allergy
Allergy tests measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies or skin reactivity. However, this doesn’t indicate whether a person has experienced an allergic reaction. For instance, you could experience a positive result for various types of allergies without suffering any noticeable symptoms. Fortunately, your allergist knows how to combine test results with medical history and symptom patterns to accurately diagnose an allergy.
A proper diagnosis is integral to the successful long-term management of an allergy. To help others who are concerned about allergy symptoms, please share our allergy testing infographic on social media and embed it on your website using the code below.
Allergy Testing Made Simple Infographic
Contact Us for Expert Allergy Testing in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is the premier provider of allergy testing and treatment services. Visit one of our Atlanta area locations for help with seasonal and food allergies. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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