allergy testing?

Question

I have an appointment with an Allergist in a few days to try to get a handle on my crazy allergies. I never realized how bad they could actually be since I had to stop taking medication for them so the doctor could do testing on Monday. I don't want to gross anyone out, but I feel like I'm drowning from all the post nasal drainage.

I've heard a little about allergy testing, something involving pricking the skin and all that good stuff. What I want to know is what exactly will he be testing for? Specifically? I've had miserable allergies just like my father since I as a little girl (24 now) and I REALLY want to make sure he tests for everything to make sure I have the best shot at living a normal. I can't remember the last time I breathed through my nose at night... thinking never. Thanks.

Answer 1

In addition to an allergist, I would recommend you see an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat specialist) called an Otolaryngologist (sp?).
If you are possibly allergic to foods they will give you a test where they put a drop of allergen on your arm and scrape your skin with a needle. This will determine the severity of the allergies (your skin will get red and a little puffy at the site of anything you are allergic to).
Because you mentioned how this affects your nose I wonder if they will be testing you for food allergies. Food allergies generally cause hives or your throat & tongue to swell - - - not usually impacting your nose.
I'm not exactly sure how they would test for hayfever-type allergies that cause lots of dripping and such with your nose.
Please do go see an ENT - - I did in addition to seeing my allergist - - turns out I had sinus problems unrelated to allergies that he was able to fix.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Most allergists will test for sensitivity to a VERY wide variety of substances. If there's something of particular concern, you should definitely ask him/her, but I'd be willing to bet they have you covered. The last time I was tested, I think it was something like a hundred or so different things. This was done by injecting very tiny amounts of potential allergens just under the skin; after a specific length of time, the reactions (if any) are checked and measured. They itch a bit, but the needle sticks are very tiny, and little more than an annoyance. The only one that totally drove me crazy was the site where they tested pure histamine as a control. Thank heaven for Benedryl!

I don't know what medication you've been taking, but if you haven't used Flonase, I can tell you that it has been a godsend for me. There are times that I think I'm allergic to everything that pollinates; after being on Flonase, it was as though my allergies just disappeared! I'm a botanist wanna-be, so dealing with pollen allergies is particularly important to me.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have had this done and here's how it went:

First, they scraped my back with a broken stick about 50 times and then put different allergens on each scratch. This is not painful at all but a little uncomfortable.
They had me wait about 20 or 30 minutes and then came in and measured and recorded my reaction to each allergen. They used coin sizes as measurements, I remember.

Then they had me come back another time to test the allergens that I didn't have a reaction to - this time I they pricked my arm with the allergen.

Anyway, it was a little weird but it was a very accurate analysis of what I'm allergic to, which happened to be quite a few things.

After the allergies were determined I did desensitisation therapy where they injected small amounts of the allergens in my arm twice a week for about two years. It is quite a commitment and sort of a pain in the *** if you work full time. Also, if you have an HMO they might charge you each time you come in for shots, which can add up.

However, If you are having a lot of problems with your sinuses, it might not be a bad idea.

Obviously your doctor will know more than me but I hope this helps.

Answer 4

They take allergins you could be allergic to (like 100) and put them on prickley needles. They draw a grid on your back and put the allergins on your skin. After 10 minutes whatever grid swells up like a mosquito bite means you are allergic. They will later give you something to get rid of the allergins and give you shots with the allergins in it so your body gets used to the allergins. This does not work out all the time. My allergins were 2 "wierd and rare" they they didn't think this treatment would work for me. Good luck!

Answer 5

I had that test done to me when I was in High School.They have all these finger pricking needles that have various stuff on them.The lady pricked me 100 some odd times.After about 10 minutes they comeback to see which prick mark shows the most irritation. Thats how they determine what you are allergic to.