Allergy testing is an essential step in the long-term management of food and environmental allergies. With the help of experienced allergy care specialists you can identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms and pose a potential health risk. But how do you know when it’s appropriate to get tested? Here are six important signs that may indicate you should see your North Texas allergist.
6 Common Reasons for Undergoing Allergy Testing
Skin prick testing and blood testing are simple procedures that help allergists diagnose allergies. If you experience any of the following signs, your allergist can identify the right test and start the process of determining the trigger allergens.
- An Unexplained Reaction Shortly After Eating Food
The first time a patient suffers a reaction after eating can be highly distressing. While some people may experience only mild itching around the eyes or mouth, others may suffer from severe breathing difficulties and dizziness. If the reaction occurs anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few hours after eating, speak with an allergist before consuming the food again.
- Frequent Runny Nose or Nasal Congestion
Persistent nasal symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose or nasal congestion are common features of allergic reactions to foods like peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs, and environmental allergens like pollen, dust and pet dander. Keeping a record of these symptoms and when they appear will be used with the results of allergy testing to diagnose the condition.
- Wheezing or Shortness of Breath
Respiratory symptoms could be signs of allergic asthma or airway sensitivities. Allergy testing can help manage asthma and other symptoms by confirming the underlying allergen that triggers a reaction. While treating the allergy won’t cure asthma, it can certainly contribute to better control of the condition.
- Hives, Eczema and Other Skin Reactions
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander and various foods are some of the common allergens likely to trigger skin reactions. In the case of hives, these raised itchy bumps typically go away after a few hours, whereas eczema can persist for much longer. Testing can identify the allergens you should avoid to prevent flare-ups.
- Allergy Medication Doesn’t Offer Long-Term Symptom Relief
Taking antihistamines or nasal decongestants may offer temporary relief, yet symptoms will likely recur after further exposure to an allergen. Allergy testing will identify the precise allergens that are responsible for reactions, enabling your allergist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for allergies and environmental substances.
- Chronic Sinus Infections
Recurring sinus infections are often triggered by allergies. While these allergies are not the direct cause of sinusitis, reactions can lead to inflammation that prevents easy drainage of the nasal passages. After receiving the results of an allergy test, you should have a clear understanding of the allergens contributing to chronic sinus infections.
Accurate Allergy Testing Services in North Texas
TexasAllergyMD helps patients understand and manage allergy symptoms with comprehensive allergy testing services. Visit one of our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake for an allergy diagnosis. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment now.
