Allegy Testing
Allergy Testing
IDENTIFYING ALLERGENS
Allergy testing is a diagnostic process used to identify specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions in individuals. Allergy testing is crucial for pinpointing the exact allergens responsible for an individual's allergic reactions, as it helps healthcare providers develop an appropriate treatment and management plan.
Allergies
An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person’s immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid.
Allergies are one of four forms of hypersensitivity and are formally called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils produced by a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This reaction results in an inflammatory response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.
Signs, Symptoms, & Indications
Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
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Sneezing
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Itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
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Runny, stuffy nose
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Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
A food allergy can cause:
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Tingling in the mouth
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Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
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Hives
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Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy can cause:
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A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
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Itching or hives all over the body
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Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
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Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy can cause:
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Hives
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Itchy skin
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Rash
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Facial swelling
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Wheezing
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Anaphylaxis
Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:
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Itch
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Redden
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Flake or peel
Have questions?
Give us a call with the best Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor (Otolaryngologist) in Hollywood, Florida.
(754) 888-1368
Considerations
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Timing. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best time for testing, as stopping antihistamines or other medications may be necessary to obtain accurate results.
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Interpretation. Allergy test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the clinical relevance of positive results and consider an individual's medical history and symptoms.
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False Positives and Negatives. Allergy tests are not always 100% accurate. False positives and negatives can occur. Positive results may not necessarily indicate a clinical allergy and negative results do not rule out the possibility of an allergy.
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Treatment Implications. Allergy testing helps guide treatment decisions. If specific allergens are identified, healthcare providers can recommend allergen avoidance strategies, medications, or allergen immunotherapy to manage allergic symptoms. Learn more about subcutaneous immunotherapy here, and sublingual immunotherapy here.
AllergiEnd Skin Test
Allergy testing is quick and comes in many forms. At ENT Family we offer a brand new, state-of-the-art, and minimally invasive skin prick testing called AllergiEnd. Test applicators are placed on the forearms of a patient during a routine physical examination.
Skin tests have evolved as reliable, cost-effective techniques for the identification of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated diseases. The technique, originally involving the placement of an allergen on abraded skin began in 1867, and has now progressed to the utilization of technology to administer a known amount of allergen via percutaneous (on the skin) scratch.
This allows the clinician to confirm clinical sensitivity to a range of food and environmental allergens, such as pollens, weeds, grasses, trees, animal dander, molds, and many foods.
The test is FDA-cleared, easy-to-administer, needle-free, includes a broad spectrum of environmental allergens and is designed for administration in primary care settings, with results in just 15-20 minutes.