End the Guesswork With Advanced Allergy Testing
Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to an allergic substance, also known as an allergen, entering the body.
The immune system produces specific antibodies to recognize allergens if they reenter the body. This recognition triggers a series of reactions, including tissue destruction, blood vessel dilation, and the production of inflammatory substances like histamine.
The Importance of Allergy Testing
For more than 50 million Americans with allergies, understanding the root cause of their symptoms is essential for effective treatment.
Allergy testing is a crucial step in determining the specific allergens causing your reactions. By identifying the triggers, allergy specialists at Lakeside Allergy ENT can develop a personalized treatment plan, including allergy shots, that will manage your symptoms effectively.
Different Types of Allergy Testing
Lakeside Allergy ENT offers three methods of allergy testing to pinpoint allergens accurately:
- Prick Testing: This skin test involves a small "prick" in the skin with an allergen placed on the open area. The test site, usually on the forearm, upper arm, or back, will show redness, itching, and swelling — but only if you’re allergic to the substance. Prick testing is quick, minimally discomforting, and ideal for pediatric patients or for those with a fear of needles.
- Intradermal Skin Testing: In this test, a small amount of allergen is injected beneath the skin surface to observe any reaction. It allows for a more specific determination of allergy sensitivity than prick testing and is beneficial for respiratory allergies, penicillin allergies, insect bite allergies, and food allergies.
- RAST Testing (Blood Test): This test uses a blood sample to detect specific antibodies to allergens and guide diagnosis. RAST testing is highly specific, does not require patients to stop medications, and is suitable for children of all ages.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you're tired of the guesswork and want to put an end to your allergies, Lakeside Allergy ENT is here to help. Their board-certified otolaryngologists and allergy specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating allergies and related ENT problems.
Don't let allergies hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Take the first step toward relief: Schedule a consultation with their expert allergists at 972-771-5443 or by requesting an appointment on their website.
With three convenient locations in Rockwall, Forney, and Wylie, TX, their team is dedicated to providing personalized allergy care for patients of all ages.