Don’t wait, long-term relief for allergies is here now.
If you are worried about having an allergic reaction everywhere you go, how can you live the life you want? Stop worrying, you're not alone. Allergies are a common condition affecting more than one out of every 5 people. At Scottsdale ENT, we are committed to you and can perform allergy testing to help you get to the root of your allergy issues. Schedule today to learn more about allergy testing
What are allergies?
Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system triggered by a typically harmless substance. The substance that triggers someone's allergies is known as an allergen. When a person is exposed to an allergen, their bodies produce antibodies and release a variety of chemicals, including histamine. Histamine is the main cause of most allergy symptoms. Most allergies are inherited. People with asthma are more likely to suffer from allergies. Since most allergens are found in the air, the reaction occurs in the eyes, nose, and lungs. If the allergen is ingested, the reaction can occur in the mouth or stomach. Everyone may react differently to certain allergens, which is why it is important to get tested by an ENT specialist.
Common allergens
- Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, soy, and milk.
- Seasonal allergies are very common. Apart from the allergy issues commonly associated with the arrival of spring, allergies are also prevalent during the other seasons of the year. Summer allergies are usually caused by pollen from grass, which reaches moderate to high levels throughout the summer months. Ragweed is a common fall allergen, but it also begins to bloom in late July and August. Mold spores and stinging insects are other allergy culprits during the summer.
- Insects can also cause allergies. Stings, bites, or even exposure can cause allergies.
- Exposure to animal dander may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Other common allergens include mold and medication.
How to Get Rid of Allergies Fast
As allergy testing becomes more popular, there are more and more allergy testing facilities popping up. Some of these places don’t always get all the information they need. They simply perform the allergy testing and give you the results. When it comes to testing for allergies, it is important to see an ENT specialist because they will be able to perform a comprehensive exam as well as an allergy test. Everyone is unique and may need different treatments for otherwise common allergies. A comprehensive exam will allow the ENT to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.
It's crucial to see an ENT specialist first, as they can perform a comprehensive exam to determine if your symptoms are due to a structural issue rather than allergies.
What is the allergy testing procedure?
Allergy testing types
Skin Testing
The most common and accurate way to identify allergens is skin prick testing. Skin tests use specific allergens to see if they trigger reactions on the skin. This can easily be done by placing a tiny drop of an allergy solution on a plastic application device, which introduces the allergen just under the skin. The reaction on the skin determines the presence and severity of an allergy. Results are read after 15 minutes.
Blood Testing
Sometimes, it is also necessary to order an allergy blood test. Blood tests screen the blood for IgE antibodies, which are made by the body in response to allergens. While blood tests can screen the body for a wide range of allergies, they are not as sensitive as other types of tests.
Find relief from your allergies at Scottsdale ENT
Through a full comprehensive exam and allergy testing, Dr. Lee can evaluate your allergy test results and prescribe a treatment plan that is unique to you. Schedule today to find out more about allergy testing
