Options for Allergy Testing and Treatment

Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, making them one of the most common chronic conditions in the country.

From itchy eyes and sneezing to hives or life-threatening reactions, allergies can appear anytime in your life. It’s possible to have never experienced allergy symptoms. Then, you reach your forties and find yourself unable to eat your favorite foods.

Even more frustrating than developing a late-in-life allergy is the fact it’s possible to go years without knowing exactly what you’re allergic to, much less how to treat it. That’s where proper allergy testing and treatment come in.

Fortunately, the expert team at Allergy & Asthma of Prosper & Celina, Texas, offers allergy testing to assess your sensitivities and guide you through the most effective options for managing allergies. 

With the correct diagnosis, it’s possible to feel relief.

Let’s look at how allergy testing works, your results, and the treatments that can be right for you. 

Understanding allergies 

Allergies are a communication breakdown within your body. They occur when the body’s immune system mistakes a harmless substance as a threat and responds by releasing chemicals like histamine to defend itself. This over-the-top reaction triggers common allergy symptoms.

Here are some common types of allergies: 

• Seasonal (pollen, ragweed) 
• Food (peanuts, shellfish, dairy)
• Environmental (dust, pets, mold)
• Skin (fragrances) 
• Drug reactions
• Insect venom 

Allergy symptoms can range from itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, which can be a life-threatening condition.  

Once you know what triggers your allergic reaction, you can make lifestyle adjustments and plans for treatment, if needed. 

Allergy testing options

Our experienced team evaluates your symptoms and recommends appropriate testing. Some typical allergy testing options include: 

Skin prick test (SPT) 

Quick and affordable, this allergy test uses tiny pricks on your skin to introduce allergens. The results appear in 15-30 minutes. We can test for dozens of allergens at one time. 

Intradermal skin test 

We often use this to test for insect stings or drug allergies. It also injects a small amount of the allergen under your skin, but it’s more sensitive than prick tests. 

Blood tests 

We draw a blood sample to measure allergen-specific antibodies like immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your body. It’s a good option if skin testing isn’t possible or if you can’t stop taking antihistamines. Results can take a few days. 

Patch test

Skin allergies are also called contact dermatitis. We can apply a patch to your skin to test 20 or more allergens, including fragrances and medicines. You wear the patch for 48 hours, after which we can evaluate your skin. 

Treatment options 

Once we know what triggers your allergy symptoms, we can shape your treatment plan. There are different options depending on the situation.

Avoidance 

If you’re allergic to dust, then air filters and hypoallergenic bedding can mitigate your symptoms. If you’re allergic to shrimp, you can avoid eating it. 

However, some allergies require different treatments. 

Medications 

Antihistamines offer quick relief for seasonal allergies. These medications block histamine, which is the chemical your body releases when having an allergic reaction. 

Decongestants 

Decongestants like Sudafed® or Afrin® clear stuffy noses so you can breathe easily again. 

Corticosteroids 

Corticosteroids reduce lung and nasal inflammation and come in various forms like nasal sprays, topical creams, or oral medications. 

These can work well for eczema and asthma-related allergies. 

Leukotriene modifiers 

Leukotrienes are chemicals in your body that trigger allergy symptoms like swelling and a runny nose. Leukotriene modifiers are medications that can reduce hay fever and asthma symptoms. 

Immunotherapy 

Allergy shots or sublingual drops help your immune system build tolerance to allergens. They work by exposing you to gradually increasing doses of the allergen. 

These are available as injections or drops taken under the tongue. 

Emergency treatments 

If you have life-threatening allergies like to peanuts or bee stings, you know quick action can save your life. 

Epinephrine is used in the “EpiPen®,” though there are other brands. It works by reversing severe allergic reactions that make it difficult to breathe. 

Expert advice 

If you’re wondering how you can manage your allergy systems, our expert team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, can help. Ready to take the next step? You can schedule your appointment by calling our office or booking online.