Allergies can be more than a minor nuisance. They can severely impact your quality of life. In the case of serious allergic reactions, exposure to allergens can put your health and well-being at risk! Get relief from allergies today! Explore this website for effective allergy treatment options and start breathing easier.
Fortunately, allergy treatment options are available. But before exploring those options, you need to pinpoint what allergens cause trouble. Here are a few ways you can test if you have allergies.
Skin Tests
One of the most common methods of testing for allergies is to perform a skin test. These tests can diagnose several types of allergic conditions, including dermatitis, food allergies, hay fever, etc.
The test involves exposing your skin to common allergens and observing the area. In most cases, health care providers will test for multiple allergens at once by applying the allergens to your arm or back. Then, they'll examine the reaction to develop an allergy treatment plan that works for your unique needs.
Medical History Review
In addition to skin tests, many health care providers will review your medical history. They'll ask questions about your general health, past experiences with reactions, the types of symptoms that occur and more. They'll also ask about your family history of allergies.
This information is crucial for understanding how allergens affect you. Generally, these reviews accompany other diagnostic tests for a more comprehensive look at your allergies.
Blood Tests
While skin tests are the most common route, not everyone can take them. Doctors generally avoid them if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction or have certain skin conditions like widespread eczema or psoriasis. You may also need other testing alternatives if you take medications that interfere with results, such as antihistamines and certain antidepressants.
Blood tests are an effective alternative when you can't take a skin test. Also known as Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E tests, allergy blood tests measure the levels of different antibodies in your blood. These tests aren't effective for penicillin allergies, but they're still a reliable alternative to skin tests for other common allergens.
Speak with your doctor to see what testing option is right for you.
Read a similar article about help with skin care here at this page.
