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If you are one of the more than 50 million people in the United States with allergies, chances are all you can think about is how to put an end to your allergy symptoms. After all, Charlotte's seasonal allergies are among the worst in the nation. But before our allergists can recommend allergy treatment, they must find out what you are allergic to. Our allergy specialists can do just that by performing allergy testing. Because the signs of mold allergies, dust allergies, and pollen allergies can be similar, it's important to be tested so the best course of treatment can be determined. By themselves the test results cannot diagnose allergies, but when interpreted alongside a patient's medical history they can identify specific allergens.
CEENTA has seasonal allergy testing available in its North and South Carolina locations, with extended hours in Belmont, Huntersville, and Mooresville.
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These tests can be performed on adults and children, and may be done in one of two ways.
During an allergy skin test, an allergist tests for many suspected allergens at once by pricking or scratching the skin on the back or forearm. Redness and swelling will appear around the test spot if you are allergic to one of the tests. Another type of skin test requires that a small amount of the suspect allergen be injected into a patient's arm. Most positive reactions to allergy skin tests will appear within 20 minutes. Skin tests should be avoided if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. Skin tests can also irritate the sensitive skin of babies and young children.
Blood tests cost more than skin allergy tests and can take several days to provide results. Still, there are several reasons a blood test may be used instead of a skin test. Many medicines can interfere with skin testing and must be stopped before the skin test can be performed. Strong allergens can also cause strong reactions after an allergy test.
To see the process, you can watch the video here.
Once your allergy test is complete, your doctor will be able to determine what you are allergic to and develop a treatment plan best suited to your needs.
Allergic rhinitis are nasal symptoms due to your immune system overreacting to harmless substances in the environment. Substances that cause these reactions are called allergens.
Allergy testing can help determine if your nasal symptoms are actually due to allergies. Your symptoms could be due to other causes including a nasal septum deviation or chronic sinusitis. If your symptoms are due to allergies, testing can identify the offending triggers and help with avoidance measures. Test results can also influence medication choices and assist in deciding on the potential benefit of immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Skin testing is primarily done for inhalants including tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, dust mites, animal dander and molds. Testing for foods is not routinely done by most of our providers.
Prick testing is performed first. A small, disposable plastic device pricks your skin and puts a small amount of dilute allergen just below the skin surface. If you are allergic, localized swelling similar to a mosquito bite will occur within 20 minutes. If no reaction occurs, an intradermal test is done. The same dilute allergen is injected below the skin surface with a small, thin needle and observed for a reaction after 10 minutes. Prick testing is usually done on the forearm and intradermal tests on the upper arm.
You can have large local reactions to the testing. Systemic (whole body) reactions are possible but rare. An alternative to skin testing is blood testing; however, those results are not as immediate and are usually less sensitive.
You cannot have skin testing if you are on a beta-blocker pill or eye drop. Pregnant women are not allowed to have skin testing. Skin testing is stopped if the “control” substances do not have the proper response.
Most patients indicate that it is not painful. You will experience increased swelling and itching at the injection site if you are allergic. You should anticipate the whole process taking 1.5 hours. The testing takes approximately 1 hour and observation afterwards for any worrisome reactions lasts an additional 30 minutes.
• You should wear a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt to allow room for the tests.• Do not apply any lotions to your arms that day.• Eat as you normally would.• Avoid exercising 3 hours before and after testing.• Inform us of any change in medications, new illness, or asthma flare-up.
ANTIHISTAMINESAntihistamines are pills commonly used for allergies. Stop all antihistamines for at least 5 days prior to skin testing.
NASAL SPRAYSThe following nasal sprays should be stopped at least 5 days prior to testing:
Other nasal sprays, including nasal steroid sprays, can be continued prior to testing:
H2 BLOCKERSCertain stomach acid medications are a type of antihistamine. Stop these medications 2 days prior to skin testing:
HERBAL PRODUCTSHerbal products can affect skin testing. Please stop ALL herbal products at least 5 days prior to testing.
*Note: Do not stop taking your asthma medication*
CEENTA has allergy testing available in its North and South Carolina locations, with extended hours in Belmont, Huntersville, and Mooresville. Our trained allergy specialists will discuss both kinds of tests to find the right one for you.
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