What Is the Allergy Test?

You may have heard about the allergy test and wondered if it is right for you or your children. When you ask people about the allergy test, you can hear all kinds of answers, some true and many false. Let’s discard the myths and look at the reality of allergy testing and how it can help you.

Why Allergies Cannot Be Ignored

Some people think allergies should just be endured or ignored. These people will tell you allergy testing is a waste of time. If you suffer from allergic symptoms, you know how allergies can take over your life. The more you ignore them or try to endure, the more miserable you feel.

Even worse, if left undiagnosed and untreated, allergies can cause severe reactions and put extra stress on your body. Allergies are not something to ignore. On the positive side, if you can pinpoint your specific allergies, you can start a treatment plan that improves your health and your daily life.

So let’s ignore the naysayers. Don’t let them hinder your decisions for a healthy life. Let’s look instead at what the allergy test is and why it’s beneficial.

What is the Allergy Blood Test?

One way to test for an allergy is through blood tests. When your body targets a certain allergen (for example, pollen, pet dander, or dust mites) as “bad,” you build up antibodies toward that substance. The antibodies are like an alarm system that informs your body when an intruder is present. Antibodies signal your immune system: Pollen is here! Bad! Attack! Then the whole chain reaction begins that causes your allergic symptoms.

By looking at what is in your blood, the allergy test identifies the presence of antibodies. These antibodies show which allergens your body has targeted as “bad.” Blood tests screen for antibodies to the most common allergens that might be causing your symptoms.

What Is the Allergy Skin Test?

Another way of testing for allergies is through the skin test. People often dread the thought of having their skin poked with a needle and exposed to allergens. But skin testing can be a very effective way to determine specific allergies, to help you start getting the right treatments.

When our allergist does a skin test, he injects a trace amount of suspected allergens into the skin and watches how the skin reacts. He uses these reactions to determine which substances are causing the patient’s allergies.

While allergies are very common, allergic reactions and their effects on overall health are specific to each individual. Before any testing is done, our allergist will take a medical history and provide a medical exam. This will help him determine the best method of testing for your particular situation.

Benefits of the Allergy Test

When our allergist can pinpoint your specific allergy triggers, he can create the most effective treatment plan for you.

Many allergy sufferers avoid “everything” because they are so worried they will come across a trigger. With allergy testing, you can learn specifically what causes your allergies and focus on the most effective treatments. You can stop avoiding harmless things and spend more time enjoying life. You can also learn what medications you need and which ones you don’t. Our allergist will help you with all of this when he analyzes the results of your allergy test.

The allergy test will also help you discover – under your allergist’s care – any potentially severe allergies. You won’t have to discover these by accident when you are not prepared. You will be aware of your allergies and be prepared with an effective response.

It’s Time for Answers

Are you ready to stop suffering the misery of not knowing what you are allergic to? Are you ready to get specific answers and the most effective treatment plan? Dr. Hadjiev, New York City’s own allergist, is here to help you. Call today for an appointment and ask him about the allergy test. It’s time to get some answers.

For More Information, Visit Our Main Website: DrSneeze.com

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References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioallergosorbent_test
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/blood-test#1
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_allergy_test