Professional allergy testing is a crucial step in managing chronic sinusitis. Guided by precise test results, allergists can create customized treatment plans that target immediate symptoms and help with long-term management. When you or your child are struggling with chronic sinusitis, allergy testing could be the solution to better breathing and improved health.
How Can Allergy Testing Help Manage Chronic Sinusitis?
Allergy tests like skin prick or blood testing are quick and deliver accurate results. Here’s how they contribute to the management of chronic sinusitis.
Allergies Are a Risk Factor for Developing Chronic Sinusitis
While allergies won’t directly cause a sinus infection, exposure to allergens can lead to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. This swelling prevents adequate sinus drainage, resulting in mucus buildup and an increased risk of infection. Unless the allergy is diagnosed and treated it may result in damage to the nasal lining, and this may lead to recurring chronic sinusitis symptoms.
Types of Allergy Testing Methods
Allergists have several allergy testing procedures to diagnose the trigger(s) for your symptoms, with the skin prick test being the most frequently performed. In this test, the allergist places small amounts of potential allergens on the skin to observe reactions. Blood testing is an alternative or additional test. This test requires laboratory analysis and measures antibodies in your blood. Your allergist will recommend the testing method that’s most appropriate for you based on your medical history and current medications.
Allergy Testing Identifies Specific Allergens
Both skin prick and blood tests identify exactly which allergens are triggering an immune system reaction. And almost any substance could cause a reaction, but the most common include pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and food proteins. After a positive test result, patients can take targeted steps to minimize exposure to specific triggers. And when tests show no allergic triggers, medical professionals can focus on other factors that may be causing sinus inflammation.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Treatment planning for chronic sinusitis depends heavily on allergy test findings. Based on the results, your allergist may prescribe medications like antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids. These treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of reactions, also reducing the instances of persistent nasal swelling. For long-term relief, allergy shots may be recommended to gradually desensitize the immune system to specific triggers that have been identified through testing.
Preventive Chronic Sinusitis Management
Allergy test results can also help patients take simple preventive measures to prevent nasal allergies and sinusitis. For example, if a person is allergic to dust mites, cleaning the home regularly and using air filters will reduce exposure. Similarly, clearing nasal passages with saline irrigation can prevent minor inflammation from becoming a chronic infection.
Speak With Us About Allergy Testing for Chronic Sinusitis
For help managing chronic sinusitis symptoms, contact Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. Our many centers in the Atlanta area provide dependable allergy testing and treatment services. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
