Effective allergy treatment is about more than just covering up the symptoms. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we’re here to help you feel better by finding out exactly what triggers your allergic reactions. With comprehensive allergy testing, we can pinpoint your specific triggers and create a personalized treatment plan that provides long-lasting allergy relief.
- Environmental Allergens
- Molds
- Food Allergens
- Insect Allergens
- Chronic Sinus Infections
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy, Watery Eyes
- Chronic Headaches
The Allergy Testing Process
What to Expect on Your Testing Day
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Your allergist will review your medical history and symptoms in detail to understand your specific concerns and determine the most appropriate tests.
- Skin and/or Blood Tests: Depending on your symptoms, you may undergo skin prick testing, intradermal testing or blood testing to identify specific allergens triggering your reactions.
- Quick Results: For skin tests, results are typically available within 15-30 minutes, allowing your allergist to explain your sensitivities and discuss the next steps the same day.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: After identifying your triggers, your allergist will create a customized treatment plan, which may include allergen avoidance strategies, medications or immunotherapy options for long-term relief.
Rather than masking symptoms for temporary reprieve, allergy testing allows your physician to get to the root cause of your reactions, ensuring a treatment that’s tailor-made to your symptoms resulting in long-term relief.
Skin Testing vs. Blood Testing
Skin testing provides immediate results. This test is often more effective at identifying environmental allergens. Blood testing, while less immediate, is an alternative for patients who cannot stop certain medications or have skin conditions like eczema.
Allergy Skin Testing
Skin testing exposes trace amounts of common allergens to your skin. Based on your reaction to the allergens, your doctor will create a treatment plan specific to your body. Allergy skin testing is precise and the most reliable way to identify individual triggers. Our board-certified allergists use your allergy skin test results to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to you.
Allergy Blood Testing
Another effective option for identifying allergies is blood testing. This testing method can detect a broader range of allergens, including some that might not appear in skin tests. With just a small blood sample, this minimally invasive test provides comprehensive allergy insights, enabling your doctor to develop a customized treatment strategy.
We prioritize efficiency and convenience during your allergy testing.
Appointments typically last about three hours, but your allergist can split them into two visits if that better suits your schedule. During your appointment, a board-certified allergist will go over the results with you, working together to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific allergies.
Preparing for Allergy Testing
Avoid allergy medications for at least five days before your appointment for the most accurate results. Avoiding allergy medications prior to testing ensures the testing can be completed on your first visit and helps your allergist develop an effective long-term allergy management plan.
Pediatric Allergy Testing
Children as young as two can have an allergy skin test for environmental allergens. Our allergists ensure the allergy testing process is safe and comfortable for young patients. Understanding your child’s allergies early can eliminate frustrating symptoms later in life. Early detection of allergies is best!