Allergy testing is beneficial for a variety of reasons, with the most important being it could save your life. Although many allergies do not present themselves until an allergic reaction occurs, regular testing can often prevent them. Read on to learn more about allergies and how they are diagnosed.
Allergies occur when the body comes into contact with any foreign substance the immune system identifies as harmful. During an allergy attack, the immune system produces antibodies to protect itself from the trigger. There are many different types of allergies, including seasonal, food, drug, insect sting, and more.
A seasonal allergy is a type of allergy that corresponds with a particular season, typically spring or winter. It is associated with an increase in pollen in the air. Symptoms usually include sneezing/coughing, congestion, watery eyes, and itchiness. A food allergy is an allergic response that occurs after eating a specific food or drink. A drug allergy occurs when a person’s immune system is sensitive to a specific medication, causing nausea, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. People with an insect sting allergy are allergic to the venom of bees and other insects. Symptoms are severe, involving swelling, difficulty breathing, and itchiness.
When treating an allergy, a primary care physician’s priority is determining what the patient is allergic to and the severity of their symptoms. The physician will look at the patient’s airway and ability to breathe, making sure to look out for the characteristic swelling seen in vital areas like the lips, tongue, and throat. They will also look for any skin symptoms like itchiness, redness, or swelling.
A physician will typically draw blood to run necessary labs and ask detailed questions of the patient. Patients should take special care to disclose any of the following:
For optimal treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about any potentially relevant information. This will allow the physician to make the most accurate diagnosis while maximizing the patient’s chances of a speedy recovery and minimized symptoms.
Anyone can have allergies. Though more common in children, they can manifest at any age. It is not uncommon for allergies to recur after years of remission. Though not a causal factor, stress can exacerbate allergic reactions by increasing histamine levels in the bloodstream. Allergy symptoms may multiply as a result.
Patients should expect to have their blood, urine, and stool taken for testing. Each test can help identify different allergies, while some may confirm a previous diagnosis. Patients who come in because of an allergy attack will be treated for their condition first and then tested for the allergy in question.
The right allergy treatment varies for each patient depending on their allergy cause and symptom severity. An epi-pen is essential for patients with severe allergic reactions to receive epinephrine. Furthermore, the physician may administer oxygen through a breathing mask and an IV for quick access to medications and fluids.
If the allergic reaction is less severe, the physician will treat the patient with various medications specific to their symptoms. For example, a prescribed topical cream or ointment may be able to take care of itchiness. Other symptoms that cannot be treated topically may require oral or IV medication. Although there is no cure for allergies, a primary care physician can help patients relieve their symptoms and advise them on avoiding allergy triggers.
Most people do not know they have allergies until an allergic reaction occurs. You can get tested for a list of allergies prior to this happening.
To learn more about our services, visit https://campmedicine.org or call our Passaic office at (973) 859-9165 to schedule an appointment.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Allergy Testing in Passaic, NJ.
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
Health centers give patients access to quality healthcare to improve physical health and promote wellness. Although wellness may seem abstract, it simply means making healthy choices that put you in a position to enjoy and live life, not just go through the motions. Here are three ways in which visiting a general practitioner at a…
A vaccination is an effective and simple protective technique against harmful ailments before you contract them. Each immunization activates the body’s natural soldiers as defenders against specific infections. Knowing why this shot is vital can motivate you to update yours. Here are four reasons a vaccination is vital.Through the years, advancements in medical technology have…
A general practitioner, or GP, can help patients with acute and chronic health conditions. They can provide referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers, as well. Learn about the many services you can find at a general practitioner’s office.General practitioners are often referred to as primary care providers, or PCPs, as they serve as a…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
Health centers give patients access to quality healthcare to improve physical health and promote wellness. Although wellness may seem abstract, it simply means making healthy choices that put you in a position to enjoy and live life, not just go through the motions. Here are three ways in which visiting a general practitioner at a…