Allergy testing is a valuable assessment of what allergens (which are substances that cause allergic reactions), if any, you have a sensitivity to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 32% of American adults have an allergy. However, not everyone needs to have an allergy test. Let’s discuss some reasons why allergy testing might be a good choice for you.
You Should Get Allergy Tested If…
Here are the top reasons why you might consider an allergy test.
You’re Always Getting Sick
If you constantly have cold- or flu-like symptoms and aren’t sure what their source is, it might be allergies. Getting an allergy test will provide that clarity. Perhaps you even suspect that your symptoms are allergy-related, but want to know for sure. Knowing what is causing your symptoms will inform how you treat the issue; you treat a cold with different medications than you do allergies.
Your Allergy Symptoms Have Gotten More Severe
If you’re aware that allergies are the cause of your symptoms but have noticed that the symptoms have gotten worse in recent years, getting an allergy test (or updating a previous one) is wise, as it will alert you to any new allergens that could be exacerbating old allergies or indicate if your existing allergies are getting more severe. Severe symptoms include asthma, eczema, chronic sinusitis, swelling or anaphylaxis. These symptoms can be chronic, significantly impacting your quality of life, or even potentially life-threatening, so taking action on them is critical.
Your Allergy Symptoms No Longer Respond to Medication
Suppose you’ve long managed your allergy symptoms with an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, but in recent years, that antihistamine hasn’t been as effective as it used to be. Perhaps it even stops relieving your symptoms altogether. In that case, just like above, it’s a good idea to get a new or updated allergy test to see if there have been any developments in your allergies.
It’s For Your Child
Early detection of allergies is crucial for effective allergy management, especially in young children, whose nasal passageways are smaller and narrower, making allergy symptoms more severe. Treating existing allergies in kids has also been shown to prevent the development of more severe allergies and allergic reactions as they grow. Moreover, kids lead active and carefree lives; don’t let allergies slow them down.
What To Do with Your Allergy Test Results
Once you’ve had an allergy test and have a better understanding of what is causing your annoying symptoms, you can begin talking with your allergist about allergy treatment. Using your test results, your allergist will be able to custom-make a treatment program that deals with your allergies and most common symptoms. This could include things like prescription allergy medicine or allergy shots, which will boost your body’s tolerance for the allergen, lessening the reaction.
If you’re interested in learning more about allergy tests and allergy treatment options, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today. Our expert team of allergists will be able to work with you to relieve your symptoms and get you back to enjoying life sniffle-free.