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More than 50 million children and adults suffer from allergies. Fortunately, for patients living in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team can help you identify the source of your allergies. Once you know the cause of your allergies, you can avoid the allergen and build up your immunity with allergy shots or drops. Call the office or request an appointment online for an allergy testing appointment.
Allergy Testing Q&A
Why get allergy testing?
Allergy testing pinpoints the source or sources of your allergic response. Allergy testing is necessary not only to help arm you with knowledge about the substances that trigger your allergy symptoms but also to provide you with customized treatment for your allergies.
At Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, we offer a wide array of testing services, including:
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, and weeds)
- Complicated allergic diseases
- Gastrointestinal food allergy-related disease
- Lung testing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
- Immune system testing
How do you test for allergies?
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates offers allergy testing with either a blood or skin test. During a skin test, your provider pricks your skin using a plastic applicator coated with the allergen. They perform this test on your back or forearm. It causes little to no pain.
In another kind of skin test, your provider injects a small amount of the suspected allergen into the skin of your arm. The skin-prick and skin injection tests look for signs of several different allergens at one time.
In some cases, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates recommends a blood test for allergies. You might need a blood test if you have a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, or if your provider is testing for a powerful allergen that might cause a significant reaction.
What is patch testing?
Patch testing is a diagnostic procedure in which Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates providers test for allergies without using needles. Instead, they place various skin patches containing possible allergens on your skin.
During the test, the skin gets exposed to a certain number of different extracts that contain tiny amounts of certain medications, fragrances, latex, hair dyes, preservatives, and other substances that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
How do you treat allergies?
Once your provider understands your allergens, they create a treatment plan to help you avoid the allergens and recommend long-term therapy, such as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy gradually desensitizes your immune system to an allergen or allergens to significantly diminish or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
Isn't it time to find out what you're allergic to with allergy testing? Call the office or request an appointment online today.