Most people already know that the best thing they can do when they are suffering from serious allergy symptoms due to weather, pets, dust, or foods is to visit an allergy specialist known as an allergist. However, not too many people understand the various factors allergists consider when diagnosing a person with allergies.
To help you understand, our Atlanta allergists have answered some frequently asked questions regarding the allergy diagnosis process, which can be found below:
1. Will an Allergist Consider a Patient’s Medical History?
In most cases, an allergist may ask a patient about their medical history in order to gain an understanding of previous symptoms and possible causes. They may also ask what types of medications the patient has taken and what effects those medications have had following an allergic reaction.
2. What is a Skin Prick Test?
A skin prick test can help an allergist confirm various types of allergies. In most cases, these tests are inexpensive and accurate. During one of these tests, the allergist will lightly scratch or prick the surface of the patient’s skin with a needle. If the patient is sensitive to the substance, they may develop itching, swelling or redness at the test area within 15 minutes. If a person’s skin rises or a large wheal forms around the area, the person is more than likely allergic to the allergen applied.
3. What is an Intradermal Test?
This type of test occurs when an allergist applies an allergen to the outer layer of the patient’s skin. After the substance is applied, the allergist will wait for the results. In most cases, allergists will use this method if the skin test results appear negative but the allergist suspects the person is suffering from allergies. Additionally, some allergists use this test to determine whether a person is allergic to any particular venom or drug.
4. What is a Specific IgE Blood Test?
If a patient is taking a medication that can interfere with skin testing or has a skin condition that interferes with skin testing, an allergist may suggest a Specific IgE test, which occurs when the allergist takes a blood sample from the patient and measures the amount of antibodies the person’s blood generates to attack allergens.
Believe You Are Suffering from Allergies? Contact Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia!
If you have been suffering from a runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, or troubled breathing, we urge you to get in touch with an Atlanta allergist specialist from Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia today! We can examine your symptoms and various other factors to determine which forms of treatment can help you feel better as quickly as possible. Because we are committed to helping you feel your best right away, we promise to work diligently!
Call our team at Center for Allergy & Asthma of Georgia today or schedule an appointment online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!