Allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of substances. Various foods, medications, animal dander, pollen, mold and insect bites are among the most common causes of allergies for the residents of Atlanta. These allergens impact people in different ways, from minor irritation to a life-threatening condition.
Benefits of Allergy Testing
To treat an allergy problem, allergy testing must be conducted, and the following benefits demonstrate why you should talk to an experienced allergist.
Understand What Is Causing the Allergy
Allergies are not always simple things to understand. You may assume that a certain food or substance is the cause of your allergies, but you do not see the complete picture. Working with an allergist means that you can determine precisely what is causing your allergies.
Avoid Problematic Allergens
Once you have determined the allergens that cause reactions, you can work to avoid encountering them. Simple lifestyle changes can certainly make a big difference. However, avoidance isn’t always the safest or even the best solution.
Get an Effective Allergy Treatment Plan
There are various medications and treatment options for allergy sufferers, such as immunotherapy, allergy shots, or avoidance. Accurate diagnosis of the allergy, along with insights into any current medications you are taking, enables your allergist to prescribe the best treatment program for you or your child.
Allergy Testing Options Available
Skin Prick Allergy Test
The skin prick allergy test involves pricking or scratching the skin to allow a small amount of a selected allergen to enter. After approximately 15 minutes, if the substance being tested is a problem for you, there should be a reaction to that substance. This test is the simplest and most common option, helping to identify antibodies that signal specific allergies. A benefit of the skin prick test is its ability to test for many allergens at once, including foods, mold, pollen and more.
Patch Allergy Test
A patch allergy test is less common, but it does have particular uses. A patch containing allergens – with the ability to test for many substances – is attached to the skin for about two days. This test should find the allergens that lead to gradual reactions after touch contact with one or more of these substances. Some common examples the patch test looks for include chemicals in fragrances, toiletries, metals, leather and more.
Blood Allergy Test
A blood allergy test involves analyzing a blood sample for antibodies produced in reaction to an allergen. This approach is often used when an allergy sufferer has too much sensitivity for a skin prick test. There are different types of blood tests, and your doctor will determine which approach to take based on your symptoms. A blood test may sometimes be carried out in conjunction with a skin test.
Get Tested for Allergies Today
If you are suffering from allergies and want to understand the cause and your treatment options, make an appointment for allergy testing with Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. Our clinics are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at 678-668-4688.
