Allergy Testing

People that are diagnosed with an allergy, such as food allergy, experience a significant impact on their quality of life due to dietary restrictions and a constant threat of sudden allergic reactions. Also, allergy may lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening situation.

Early detection through allergy testing is to reduce adverse effects, improve behavior, and improve quality of life.

In this post, you’ll learn about the role of allergy testing in the proper diagnosis and management of allergy to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Allergy Testing Prevents Complications

One of the complications of allergy is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is characterized by respiratory distress or difficulty of breathing, severe abdominal cramping, or impaired consciousness. The intensity of the reaction and the time of onset are unpredictable. Thus, reducing a person’s quality of life. That’s why early detection through allergy testing should be carried out to rule out the cause of allergy.

Here are some tips to reduce allergic complications:

  • Even if you’ve never experienced any form of allergies before, it does not mean that you are immune to allergies throughout your life. It’s important to note that allergy may develop as you age because your environment and your body constantly changes. You still have a risk of developing airborne or food allergies later in life. That’s why if you suspect you’re having allergic reactions, talk to your doctor about allergy testing options.
  • Emphasize everyday safety. For instance, if you’re not aware of the ingredients of a food served in a restaurant, ask the chef. As much as possible, don’t eat anything with ingredients that you’re not familiar with. If you can’t help it, only intake small quantity of food so that you can monitor any sudden bodily reactions.
  • Take prescribed medications to control acute signs and symptoms. This is also to prevent rapid adverse reactions.

Determine the Antigen

An antigen is the major culprit of an allergic reaction causing allergy and other health issues. You probably have tried taking different over the counter medications, like eye drops or nasal spray, but still can’t alleviate your allergies.

Blood allergy testing can determine the antigen causing your allergy by introducing small amounts of antigen through pricking the skin or antigen patch on the upper back and observing skin reaction indicative of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, itchiness, and redness.

Well, it’s high time to undergo allergy testing, like the Airborne Allergy Prick Test. This determines the real cause of what’s causing your allergy so you can avoid and treat it.

Reduce Fear of Needles

Airborne Allergy Blood Test is a method of testing any signs of allergy that is not as accurate as blood testing. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent alternative to traditional skin testing, most especially among small children or patients who fear needles.

This allergy test requires a single draw of blood, unlike traditional methods of allergy testing involving multiple needle shots or drawing of blood. With a single draw of blood, it helps lessen the fear associated with needles because of the less needed amount to be injected.

Here are the good-to-know facts about the Airborne Allergy Prick Test:

  • Some of the specific substances or antigens tested by the Airborne Allergy Prick Test include pollen, mold, grasses, trees, and animal dander.
  • This extensive allergy panel helps determine what local allergens cause adverse reactions. Immunotherapy prescriptions will be prescribed based on the allergy test results.
  • The allergy test starts with the application of specific antigens on the upper back. The doctor or healthcare professional will observe and measure your skin’s reaction to the allergen.
  • The goal of antigen testing on the skin is to trigger minor allergic reactions to identify what’s causing the patient’s allergy.
  • The Upper Arm Intradermal Test is based on the result of the antigen test. It involves a series of antigen injections administered under the dermis or the first layer of the skin. Skin reactions are observed for 10 minutes.

Avoid Unnecessary Dietary Restrictions

A lot of people with suspected food allergy tend to self-diagnose by buying food that can restrict nutrients, which is a dangerous thing. While many food labels today have some restrictions, such as “lactose-free,” “peanut-free,” and “gluten-free,” you may eliminate certain food groups that may lead to vitamin or mineral deficiency.

Food allergy testing is carried out through blood testing or skin testing. These tests will show any sensitivity to certain foods. Once the doctor has diagnosed that you have a food allergy, your provider will work with you to design the right dietary plan to avoid allergic reactions.

Develop a Specific Prevention Plan

A Patch Test Allergy Testing helps determine the specific substance that is causing your allergic skin inflammation, such as hives. The test assesses your high sensitivity to different substances commonly found in perfumes, detergents, make-up, and other products you use every day, so you can eliminate getting exposed to these substances, avoid allergic reactions, and improve your overall quality of life. It means that you can live a normal life by not buying products containing substances that initiate your allergic reactions.

Knowing your allergies will give you and your doctor the ability to develop a targeted prevention plan, to seek specific treatment, to make changes to your environment, to know your allergy season,  and to get rid of harmful allergens.

Conclusion

If you suspect that you or a family member may have a food allergy, contact your doctor or visit an allergy clinic for an allergy blood test. Don’t delay or hesitate to undergo allergy testing.

Of course, the most important benefit of allergy testing is to create the right treatment plan to eliminate your allergies and to ensure you prevent major complications, specifically anaphylaxis.