Why Getting Tested for Allergies is Important

Why Getting Tested for Allergies is Important

How your San Antonio, TX, doctor can help with allergy testingallergy testing

What You Need to Know About Allergy Testing

The itchy watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing are just a few symptoms that can be causing allergies. Allergies effect people all year long, like in spring, when flowers bloom and pollen is abundant, or winter, when we all spend most of our time indoors and away from the cold.

If you suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, you need to call your San Antonio doctor. You will need to test for allergies to find out exactly what triggers allergies.

Your allergist is likely to recommend allergy testing if you exhibit:

  • Itchy skin, a rash or eczema
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose and watery eyes
  • Coughing, wheezing or chest congestion
  • Cramping, diarrhea or vomiting after eating certain foods
  • A severe response to an insect sting or bite

Common allergy tests include:

  • Skin tests: The doctor injects you with a small dose of allergen. If you see a rash or swelling within 20 minutes, this is an indication that you're allergic to the substance you were injected with. If there is no response, then you're not allergic.
     
  • Challenge tests: This is similar to the skin test where you're exposed to an allergen. If you inhale or ingest a small amount of allergen, this will help doctors determine what foods or medications you're allergic to.
     
  • Blood tests: Your doctor will draw blood and send it to a laboratory. This test takes a bit longer than the other tests, but it is more accurate.

Treatments:

Once your San Antonio doctor have identified what triggers your allergies, there are several ways to control and treat symptoms.

Here are some options you may want to consider:

  • Allergy shots, usually given every week.
  • Sublingual drop therapy, which you can administer at home.

If you are interested in learning more about allergy testing, call our San Antonio, TX office at (210) 647-3838 today!