Do you get a skin rash, cough, runny nose or itchy eyes without an obvious explanation? You may be allergic to a particular substance or substances and could benefit from allergy testing. If you live in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, you can search for allergy testing near me to find a professional allergist who provides testing. But will your allergist use a blood test or the more popular skin prick test?
When Is Blood Allergy Testing Used?
While skin prick allergy testing provides results more quickly, blood allergy tests are important in some of the following situations.
- A patient has eczema or another skin condition.
- An allergy doctor is concerned about a patient’s heart condition or asthma.
- A patient cannot cope with multiple needle pricks and scratches.
- A patient requires medication that may interfere with results.
- An allergy doctor has concerns about anaphylaxis.
What Are the Main Allergies Diagnosed Using Blood Allergy Testing?
A blood test is appropriate for most of the allergies that a skin prick allergy test can diagnose. Some of the most common allergies include the following.
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are caused by proteins in an animal’s skin cells, urine or saliva. For pet owners with dogs, cats or other animals, it can be difficult to avoid these substances on a daily basis. A blood test is able to identify allergen-specific antibodies that relate to pet dander, and treatment can then be found.
Drug Allergies
Allergies to certain drugs are common and can have a major impact on an individual’s health. Common medications that cause allergic reactions include penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, anticonvulsants and other over-the-counter and prescription meds.
Insect Sting Allergies
Insect stings or bites may cause a minor skin rash, yet they could also lead to a severe allergic reaction. A blood allergy test can identify allergies that could put an individual in danger, such as allergy to bees, mosquitoes, fleas and other insects.
Environmental Allergies
Various airborne allergens can be diagnosed using blood testing. Of course, pollen is a common cause of allergies, with seasonal tree and grass pollen causing hay fever that goes undiagnosed for many people. If you cannot stop taking antihistamines or another medication before a skin prick test, then a blood test may be used instead.
Food Allergies
Blood testing can diagnose specific allergies to foods such as egg, milk, peanut, tree nut and shellfish. Obtaining this information allows your allergist to provide appropriate treatment – including a food allergy treatment option like oral immunotherapy – that can help desensitize the immune system to the allergen. After this treatment, blood tests may be used to check that you are maintaining a tolerance to the particular food.
There Is No More Need to Search Allergy Testing Near Me
If you’ve been searching for allergy testing near me, Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is the solution you’ve been looking for. We provide professional allergy testing services and develop effective treatment plans from locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For assistance, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
