Allergy Testing Methods
Your doctor may recommend a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition if you suspect you may have an allergy, but are uncertain as to the allergen causing your malady.
A variety of allergens can be identified using these various tests. Since some tests will work better than others; it is a good idea to be familiar with the different methods of allergy testing available to you. Basically, the tests can fall into three categories: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.
Scratch Tests
The most common type of allergy testing that is done is the scratch tests. This test involves putting a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the skin, then scratch or prick the area to allow some of the substance to enter the surface.
Swelling, redness, or itching are signs that an allergic reaction has occurred. A result can often be detected in as little as twenty minutes using this type of testing. The other advantage to this kind of test is that many different allergens can be tested together. This makes this method especially useful if the allergen is unknown, airborne, or a food allergy.
Elimination Diets
If a food allergy is suspected, the elimination diet may be performed. A variety of foods that are potential allergens are eliminated form the diet for several weeks. Each food is then gradually added back to the person’s diet, with attention being mad to see which of the selections of food is causing the allergy symptoms to return.
This method of testing can be potentially dangerous for the patient who has severe allergies. If a severe allergy is suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient.
Blood Tests
A RAST, or radioallergosorbent test, is the final type of allergy testing that is commonly performed. This is achieved by using blood drawn from the patient. It is then examined for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ige) antibodies. This indicates whether the immune system is producing an allergic reaction to the body. These Ige’s tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain allergens, although this testing does not tend to be as accurate and precise as other methods used.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to get rid of allergies. An allergy is the reaction of the immune system to substances your body thinks are harmful to you. Once the body detects these foreign substances (which are called...
Receiving Allergy Shots Is No Fun!Living with debilitating allergies is something that millions of people do every day. It is both painful and it affects their quality of life. The symptoms are most irritating....
Allergy Drops Replace Shots!If you suffer from allergies, it is no pleasure to receive your shots every week; it can be rather painful. Today, there are alternative methods of treatment. One such method is the usage of allergy drops to treat patients who...
Allergy Medicine: What Ya Sneezing At?When you are having an allergic reaction, it isn\'t much fun. You might find yourself sneezing, coughing, swelling, or teary eyed. While some people may have migraines, others may even go into shock, if it is severe....
The Allergy Research Group is Here to HelpIf your have allergies, despite what kind they are, they can make you miserable. This can be even truer, if your allergy is a common factor you are in contact with daily. The pollen in the air, a plant in...