Information on Allergy Testing

Allergy Testing

When it comes to determining whether you have allergies, there may be a few simple tests that a doctor can perform. They may look at your medical history and your symptoms and it may seem fairly obvious. On the other hand, an allergy specialist can help you much more specifically when it comes to what types of allergies you have and what your allergy triggers are. When you are suffering from allergies of some sort and are not sure of what to do next, speaking with an allergy specialist, like an allergist in Tysons Corner, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy, can help you to regain control of your life and set you up for a brighter and healthier future. If you would like to learn more about the different types of allergy tests and treatments, please reach out to one of our specialists today. We want to help you get on a better path as soon as possible.

Why see an allergy specialist?

When it comes to physical exams and other health concerns, seeking the help of your primary care physician is incredibly important. However, when you are dealing with something as specific as allergies, you should seek the help of someone who specializes in that field. They can help you get more information about your allergies by performing allergy tests. These tests can be in the form of:

  • Allergy Challenge Tests
  • Allergy Blood Tests
  • Allergy Skin Prick Tests

How do I know if allergy tests are safe?

The idea of an allergy test may seem scary. If you don’t know much about it, you might think that your allergy specialist will simply expose you to something you are allergic to and see what happens. While this is true to a degree, they do so in a very safe and confined way. Your allergy specialist will usually get a sample of the allergen protein in very small amounts to see how your body reacts to it.

Who should I expect to perform my allergy test?

The allergy specialists in our office have the correct certifications and training to perform allergy tests. You always want to make sure you are going to a specialist who has the correct training because in rare cases a patient may have a severe, anaphylactic reaction to the allergen presented. When this is the case, you want to ensure you follow the allergy specialist’s rules to ensure you do not react poorly.

Allergy Treatments

When it comes to treating your allergies, your allergy specialists will have a number of different methods they may recommend.

  1. Immunotherapy. This is also known as allergy shots and an allergy specialist usually starts by giving them to you once a week and eventually goes down to a shot every few months.
  2. Allergen Avoidance. If you are not comfortable with immunotherapy, your allergy specialist will likely tell you to simply try avoiding the product or substance that you are allergic to (this may be easier if it is a food or a medication).
  3. Medications. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can also be a great help for your allergy symptoms.

If you would like to see how one of the allergy specialists can help you with your allergies, reach out to one today.