If you have allergies, it's in your best interest to get a test to determine exactly which irritants are causing you to react poorly.
"More than 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Finding out what you are allergic to is an important first step to effective allergy treatment," states the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Today, allergy tests are more convenient and accurate than ever before. When combined with a detailed medical history, allergy testing can identify the specific things that trigger your allergic reactions."
In this post, we'll examine the two most common types of allergy tests.
Blood tests – While skin tests are more common, blood tests are used as an alternative if a patient has a serious skin condition or is taking medication that he or she cannot stop using for a couple days. They're also the preferred method for many young children and babies for whom a skin test may cause severe discomfort. Blood tests — which consist of a single needle prick — are typically more expensive and can take a while to process.
Skin tests – During a skin test, a doctor will either either use a needle to prick a suspected allergen into the skin, scratch it onto the surface of the skin or inject it into the patient's arm. This kind of test can be a bit more uncomfortable than the blood test, as the doctor will test a number of allergens at the same time, which may cause redness, swelling and itching. However, a skin test generally yields faster results and is a cost-effective option.
Even after undergoing allergy tests and receiving a detailed treatment plan, it's important to remember that there's no cure for allergies. Fortunately, by using products such as an allergen air purifier or hypoallergenic bedding, you can keep your symptoms at a minimum.
