Allergies

If you are allergic, you are reacting to a particular substance. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To determine which specific substances are triggering your allergies, our Ear, Nose and Throat, Ltd. doctor will direct the Allergy Clinic staff to safely and effectively test your skin, or sometimes your blood, using tiny amounts of commonly troublesome allergens.
Allergy tests are designed to gather the most specific information possible so we can determine what you are allergic to and provide the best treatment.

Allergy tests provide concrete specific information about what you are and are not allergic to. Once you have identified the specific allergen(s) causing your symptoms, you and our physician/allergy team can develop a treatment plan aimed at controlling or eliminating your allergy symptoms. With your allergy symptoms under control you should see a considerable improvement in the quality of your life. Improved sleep quality because of less congestion, days without constant sneezing and blowing your nose, life without frequent sinus infections, improved ability to exercise, and better control of your atopic dermatitis (eczema) are some of improvements you may gain from your allergy treatment plans. In most cases, sinus infections are brought on by allergies.

There are two common methods of performing the allergen testing:

1. Prick Technique: The prick technique involves introducing a small amount of allergen into the skin by making a small puncture through which a drop of the allergen extract is introduced. If you have an allergy, the specific allergens that you are allergic to will cause a chain reaction to begin in your body.

2. Intradermal: Involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin with a syringe. This form of testing is more sensitive than the prick skin test method. This form of allergy testing may be used if the prick is inconclusive or suggest further testing would provide a more detailed evaluation.

People with allergies have an allergic antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E) in their body. This chemical, which is only found in people with allergies, activates special cells called mast cells. These mast cells release chemicals called mediators, such as histamine, the chemical that causes redness and swelling. With testing, this swelling occurs only in the spots where the tiny amount of allergen to which you are allergic has been introduced. So, if you are allergic to ragweed pollen but not to cats, the spot where the ragweed allergen touched your skin will swell and itch a bit, forming a small pea-sized hive. The spot where the cat allergen scratched your skin will remain normal. This reaction happens quickly within your body.

Related allergy links: Allergic Rhinitis