i am going to an allergist for the first time tomorrow and i would like to know what to expect. they said something about a scratch test? and does anyonw know of a non-anithistimine med that i can take? they said i cant take any anithistimines for 3 days prior to my office visit, but i'm really suffering right now!
2006-08-23 12:32:36 · 10 answers · asked by sickntyred 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
Skin test
The typical and most simple method of diagnosis and monitoring of Type I Hypersensitivity is by skin testing, also known as prick testing due to the series of pricks made into the patient's skin. Small amounts of suspected allergens and/or their extracts (pollen, grass, mite proteins, peanut extract, etc.) are introduced to sites on the skin marked with pen or dye (the ink/dye should be carefully selected, lest it cause an allergic response itself). The allergens are either injected intradermally or into small scratchings made into the patient's skin, often with a lancet. Common areas for testing include the inside forearm and back. If the patient is allergic to the substance, then a visible inflammatory reaction will usually occur within 30 minutes. This response will range from slight reddening of the skin to full-blown hives in extremely sensitive patients.
After performing the skin test and receiving results, the doctor may apply a steroid cream to the test area to reduce discomfort (such as itching and inflammation).
2006-08-23 12:34:08 · answer #1 · answered by Crescent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They in all probability won't draw any blood. What they do is termed a scratch try the place they make tiny little scratches on the arm or returned and placed some style of answer wherein includes a tiny piece of allergen. Then, the universal practitioner can tell no be counted if she is allergic to some thing by ability of observing to establish if the floor reacts (slightly crimson bump or rash will look if she's allergic, no longer something will ensue if no longer...) My babies have all been to the allergist via fact i'm allergic to nuts and we had to appreciate if ours could be besides. Our 2 oldest ladies are allergic to nuts (a while 8 and six) and our son is allergic to take advantage of protein (he's 5). have exciting & stable success! :)
2016-11-05 11:51:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have been to several. Scratch tests are not the norm now. They inject (really doesn't hurt) a small amount of suspected allergens into your skin. Remember, this is NOT a shot, they use a sub-cutaneous needle. Very thin and just enter the skin and deposit the suspected allergen there. Try rinsing your nose and throat with warm salt water. Also, you can try bringing a pan of water to boil on the stove, take it off and inhale the vapors. Try Vick's to ease congestion (on the chest rub) or in shower (steam) or those little plug ins. Good luck and please be patient. It will take a while to get the meds right to help you.
2006-08-23 12:37:02 · answer #3 · answered by swarr2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I did and it was a total and complete waste of my money. They did the scratch AND blood test. $400 for the blood testing alone and only showed I was allergic to a mold that grows in piles of leaves (which isn't a problem around here in the city where lawns are kept clean) and Kentucky Bluegrass which I already knew about. The prescription were over $200 and did NOTHING but give me convultions. I sure hope you have better luck than me. And, dont worry about the scratch test, minor 'quick' scrape and didn't hurt at all for me.
2006-08-23 12:36:33 · answer #4 · answered by The::Mega 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been a couple times. The scratch test doesn't hurt but if you are allergic to something that spot will itch but don't scratch it. At the end they will give you a allergy pill to stop the itching and make that area clear up.
I wouldn't take anything because it can mess up the results of the test's that they will run.
2006-08-23 12:35:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
JT is correct about the allergist. You cannot take any antihistimines prior to the testing because doing so would interfere with the outcome of the tests.
2006-08-23 12:35:57 · answer #6 · answered by Decoy Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People have already addressed the test, so I'm not going to talk about that.
While you're unable to take an antihistamine, try to take breaks in the day to lay down with a cold, wet washcloth over your eyes. It'll help with burning and itching. Other than that, there's not much you can do (that I know of, anyway).
2006-08-23 12:40:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the scratch test is also known as the prick test
they take theese pins with a drop of common allergens and non ocmmon allergens on the tip of them like grass orpeanuts or stuff like that
then they prick you and watch waiting for a reaction
whe you do react they mark it down and tell you what they are then they can prescribe some medication for your allergies
good luck hun!!
and maybe like benadryl maybe im not sure
go to the pharmacy and ask for non antihistamine they should have one that suits you
2006-08-23 12:37:45 · answer #8 · answered by jaimeblondz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no non histamine you can take, you can try some sudafed to help dry things up but no kind of anti-histamine
the scratch test is easy, me and 2 of my kids have done it, hardest part was not scratching before they came to check
2006-08-23 12:40:21 · answer #9 · answered by trishnidansan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i had to have an alergie test dont twice not pretty they prick our back with TONS of different stuff thats normaly ppl have alergies too from your neck to your @ss and if theres a bump your allergic
2006-08-23 12:34:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋