How often have you suffered from headaches, bloating, stomach cramps or fatigue? If so, you might be among 45% of the United States population with an allergy or sensitivity. Nowadays, allergies are becoming more widespread and the symptoms more complex. It is important to be know and be prepared to take action among your health.
The first and important step in battling allergies is finding out what you are allergic to. As soon as you felt that you might have some allergy symptoms, head your way to a physician or allergist to identify what triggered the reaction. There are different ways to find out and one of them it is Allergy Skin Testing. It is a safe and easy way to find out and confirm the allergens that caused the allergic reaction, and it is good for both children and adults.
The most common symptoms of allergy that you should consider to get an allergy testing include: Itchiness in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, blocked sinuses, coughing, sneezing, hives, eczema, and anaphylaxis in some cases.
Through allergy testing, you will be able to know what particular substances you might be allergic to.
There are three types of allergy tests as listed below:
Skin Tests in Salem MA - BOOK ONLINE
The most common type of allergy testing is skin testing because it is painless. Skin tests known also as “skin prick” tests or scratch test are performed in the office in Salem, MA. Generally adults are tested on the forearm and children on their upper back. To perform this kind of test, doctor use tiny needle that barley pierces the skin is used. A tiny amount of specific allergens is “scratched” on the skin.
If the patient is allergic to any of the allergens, a little swelling, itching or small hives will appear in the area where the allergen was introduced. It takes about 15 minutes for the allergen to react if the patient is allergic. Hives usually appear in the area where the skin test was done and should be gone within a half an hour. There may be a mild irritation caused by a positive allergic reaction but it fully safe when done correctly.
Challenge Test in Salem MA - BOOK ONLINE
To perform a challenge test, a tiny amount of the suspected allergen is taken by mouth or inhaled through the nose. Usually the challenge allergy test is done for suspected food or medication allergies. It is really important to doctor be presented while these tests are performed, in the event of a serious reaction. Doctor and nurses at Century Medical Salem MA know exactly what to do if the patient has a severe reaction, so there is no need for the patient to be alarmed.
Blood Test in Salem MA - BOOK ONLINE
For more serious situations, for example if the patient has had a severe or life threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock, or when the patient is taking medications that may interact with the allergen or if the patient has a skin condition that might interfere with the results of a skin test, doctors usually do an allergen blood test.
For perform blood test, doctor or nurse takes a blood sample and send to the lab for testing with various allergens. Blood tests may take a few days before results can be derived and it also costs more than skin tests.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommended all of these three types of allergy tests, considered them as safe.
Still not sure if you have an allergy? Contact us today and we will happy to help you!