If you know what is causing your skin or nose to itch, you are lucky. It is not obvious. The body might be producing antibodies as a protective mechanism, which causes certain symptoms but cannot be linked to any environmental elements. In such a case, an allergy test is recommended.

Is the test necessary?

Identifying the cause of allergy is crucial because it is easier to prevent allergic reactions than to cure. Are allergic reactions curable? Rarely but yes. However, the curative mechanism is based on avoiding the allergens. Also, depending on the body part, which is reacting, it can be strengthened by drugs but this is uncommon. Establishing the exact cause or foreign substance that triggers the immune system reaction is crucial to preventing the symptoms.

Do not assume. It is possible that you are wrong on what is causing your body to react. In allergy testing, the body is exposed to multiple allergens under keen examination of a medical specialist. Don’t be surprised to find out what you have been avoiding is not the issue.

Allergy tests are quick and painless. The tests are divided into three; skin, blood and food.

Procedure

The procedure depends on the type of allergic reaction. You can have all the tests depending on extent and type of reactions. However, doctors use certain factors to establish a path of conducting the tests.

Skin tests

Skin reaction is the most common type of allergic reaction. People sensitive to pollen, dust, and airborne elements are likely to experience skin irritation. Also, some people develop rashes or skin infection because of food allergies. There are multiple possibilities to skin reactions; this is why you should go for a test to pinpoint the cause. I know you can analyze your previous activities and try to make sense of the body reaction but this is not accurate.

Procedures in this category include patch, prick, and injection test.

In prick testing, marks are drawn on the forearm or back. Multiple allergens are then placed besides each of the marks. The skin is then slightly punctured to allow extracts from the allergens to infiltrate the body. Two other substances are applied on the skin surface for accuracy of the results. While the reaction time varies in people, the skin prick test takes averagely 15 minutes. Usually, itchy bumps will appear on the skin to indicate the body’s reaction to the given allergens. Antihistamine drugs are taken soon after the results are recorded to clear up symptoms, mostly pain.

The skin injection test is more elaborate than the prick test. This might hurt a little because the allergen is injected directly into the system. It goes deeper to test for allergens like penicillin that a prick test might miss. The procedure time is almost the same; in about 15 minutes, a medical specialist will be able to tell from the skin’s reaction.

A patch involves wearing patches with allergens. The procedure takes relatively longer; you might have to wear the patches for at least 48 hours. For effectiveness of the procedure, you should avoid sweating. No engaging in rigorous activities. Obviously, you should not shower for this period. You don’t have to stay under doctor’s watch for this test; once the patch is fixed, you can go home and only get back after the instructed time. Results will be evident on the skin after the 48 hours.

Blood tests

The test is recommended in cases where the allergic reaction is severe or other conditions make it unsuitable to expose the body to allergens. The test involves check on antibodies, which are a product of the immunity system. Just like any laboratory test, doctors will take samples of your blood and subject it to various conditions while testing for its contents.

Challenge tests

This is common for medication and food allergies. Challenge test involves ingestion or inhalation of allergens in controlled amounts as instructed by a doctor. Usually, a person is required to avoid eating prior to the testing. Setting an appointment for this is essential because you might have to carry or plan for the foods that cause reactions to your body.

You might have to dedicate a whole afternoon to this procedure because it might take several hours. Some food allergic reactions are instant while others delay. A doctor will require you to take the food in small amounts at given intervals as different parts of your body are examined for reaction. The intervals depend on how fast the symptoms will appear. If the reaction is severe or too painful, a doctor will stop the procedure and treat the symptoms with antihistamine.

Whether your body reacted or not, a doctor will require you to spend few more hours to rule out any possible reactions that might be delaying.

Conclusion

In both types of tests and procedures involved, doctors always have emergency medication on standby. Yes, in some cases the tests can result in severe reactions that can be life threatening. All these precautions are taken into consideration before the testing begins. Certain conditions and medication can interfere with accuracy of results; therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor prior to the testing for accuracy of the procedure.

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