Usually, there are different substances to which most people are allergic. Therefore, the essential thing to do is to determine what substance you are allergic to. Doing so helps your care provider draft an individualized treatment plan for you. Among the substances, you can be allergic to fur, pollen, medication, and food, among many others. After discovering what substance you get into contact with causes, an allergic reaction avoiding them would be the best treatment. You should also note the symptoms you experience when you have an allergic reaction. Therefore, allergy testing Fort Worth specialists are here to your rescue if you are experiencing some allergic symptoms, including pain, swelling, itching, redness, or fever, and seek diagnosis and treatment. They also use a proactive approach to medical care and offer allergy testing to help come up with the best treatment for your allergy. To learn more about allergies and allergy testing, read on.
What are allergies?
Allergies are immune system responses or reactions to foreign substances commonly referred to as allergens. Usually, for an allergic reaction to occur, your body perceives allergens that are not harmful as dangerous and produces antibodies to fight them. Allergies are common health concerns and lead to various symptoms that affect your everyday activities. Allergic symptoms include watery eyes, skin rash, itchy eyes, running nose, scratchy throat, or swelling. And in severe cases, your immune system often causes a serious reaction, often referred to as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention because it affects your ability to breathe effectively.
What are common allergens?
Typically, one can develop an allergy to anything. But certain substances are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others. Allergens include insect bites, dust, food products, especially plant or animal proteins, mold, pollen, and pet dander. Therefore, your care provider takes a proactive and holistic approach when offering medical care to people experiencing an allergic reaction. And before they recommend any form of treatment for your allergy, they begin by collecting a thorough history to help identify the allergen that would be responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing.
What is allergy testing?
Allergy testing is typically a diagnostic tool to help identify the specific allergen responsible for your symptoms. Generally, there are two tools used to test for allergies. They include:
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Blood testing
A blood test is performed to help determine the type of allergen responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing and aims to look for specific antibodies in your blood that tell what substance you are allergic to.
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Skin allergy testing
During skin allergy testing, your care provider pricks your skin with common allergens like pollen and observes it for a reaction. Doing so helps determine what is causing your symptoms. Therefore, if a red raised bump forms at the site where the skin was pricked, you are more likely to be allergic to that particular substance.
In most cases, your health care provider decides the type of allergy testing you require based on your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Therefore, if you suspect that you might have come into contact with an allergen, that is why you are having specific symptoms and seek relief, you can start by scheduling your appointment at Clover Internal Medicine today.
