Allergic reactions are common but cause aggravating symptoms like consistent runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Allergy testing is a step toward living a healthier life. The San Antonio allergy testing specialists offer different allergy tests to help identify your triggers for better management of your symptoms. You could be allergic to food, pollen, or environmental factors. Your doctor can expose you to several substances by injecting or pricking them on your skin to observe the reaction. It can help you identify and avoid specific substances responsible for your allergic reaction. Keep reading for more information.
Get the Test
When you are experiencing symptoms due to an allergic reaction, you must discuss with your doctor about testing to identify your allergies. Book an appointment with your doctor and explain your experience. Describe the symptoms you have been experiencing, including intensity and consistency. Your doctor will guide you on different allergy tests and use alcohol to clean your arm for the skin prick test. The test can assess between 10-40 different substances. You can also receive an injection to test for an allergy to venom or penicillin. Also, your doctor can order a patch test when they suspect a specific substance.
Observe the Reactions
Ask your doctor what you can expect during your test and pay attention. Watch for flares and wheals about fifteen minutes after your trial. Understand that allergy tests are more accurate when left for about fifteen to forty minutes. Also, check for wheals with 3 millimeters or more in diameter. Also, observe brighter red flares that could appear due to an allergic reaction. This could mean you are allergic to the substance you were exposed to.
Let the Doctor Interpret the Results
You ought to let your doctor explain the results no matter what you observe. Your doctor is skilled in telling when your skin reacts to irritation or an allergic reaction. They will inspect your wheals and flare to judge if you are allergic to the substance injected into your skin. When the wheals are enormous, and due to an allergic reaction, your level of sensitivity is very high to the substance. Depending on the potential allergen used, your doctor will help you know what substances you tested positive for an allergy to.
Get a Second Test
Sometimes a single test is not enough to ascertain you are allergic to a particular substance. Therefore, you can ask your doctor for a second test to ensure your allergies. This will help eliminate any false-positive or false-negative results. Testing positive more than once for a particular substance means that you are allergic to it. Therefore, you can ask your doctor for another round of skin tests.
React to the Results
When you are content with the results, and your doctor has interpreted them, you must take the necessary steps to manage the allergic reactions. Avoiding your triggers is one of the most effective ways to manage allergies. Therefore, adjust your diet and lifestyle to keep away from your allergens. Your doctor will also evaluate the severity of your allergic reactions to advise you on minimizing your health risks.
If you suspect you are allergic to certain substances, it is good to confirm it through an allergy test. Reach out to Castle Hills Family Practice for your allergy testing consultation appointment. You can call or book your appointment using the online form.
