If you experience itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and sneezing while walking around Memorial Park, it most likely means there’s an allergen nearby. Allergens are substances that are normally harmless but that the immune system sees as a threat and attacks. In order to determine what substances you’re allergic to, you must undergo an allergy test.
Below we review some of the different types of allergy testing.
Skin Tests
Skin tests are the preferred method of testing for allergens because the results are instant and highly accurate. Skin testing entails introducing potential allergens to the skin and monitoring for an allergic reaction.
Skin Prick Tests
Skin prick tests are often used to diagnose hay fever and food allergies. During a skin prick test, drops of an allergen extract are applied to different areas of the skin, usually the forearms or back. The skin is pricked at each site so the allergen can penetrate the skin.
If a red, raised bump known as a wheal appears at the site you were pricked, it means you’re allergic to that substance.
Intradermal Tests
Intradermal tests work similar to skin prick tests except the allergen extracts are injected directly into the top layers of the skin. This test is useful when trying to detect a weaker allergic reaction. Because the reactions tend to be stronger, this test is typically only used when skin prick testing is inconclusive.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are typically ordered for people who cannot tolerate a skin test, including those who are:
- At high risk of triggering a known allergy.
- Taking certain medications that can interfere with skin tests, like antihistamine or beta-blockers.
- Exhibiting signs of a severe skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.
Blood tests may also be used to confirm whether the results of skin tests are unclear.
This kind of test is performed by drawing blood, then adding an allergen to the blood sample to see if immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced. High levels of these antibodies generally indicate an allergy, though results can be skewed if the patient smokes or has an infection.
For more information about allergy tests or to schedule an appointment, call the allergy experts at Carolina Pines ENT today!