Allergy Testing Specialist

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing can identify the cause of your allergy symptoms, which could include:

• Itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Runny nose
• Itchy skin
• Hives
• Watery eyes
• Problems breathing
• Rashes
• Upset stomach
• Swelling

Allergies result from an immune system response that's out of proportion to the threat. Your immune system protects you from infection by aggressively targeting anything it detects in your body that could make you sick, such as bacteria and viruses.

People who get allergies have an immune system that reacts to harmless or virtually harmless substances. This immune system overreaction also plays a part in conditions like asthma and eczema.

Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie uses allergy testing to determine what's triggering your allergies. Your provider also looks for other potential causes of your symptoms, such as a sinus infection.

What substances can cause allergies?

You could develop one or more allergies to anything in your environment. Some of the more common allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions) include:

• Pollen
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Penicillin
• Latex
• Peanuts
• Wheat
• Soy
• Dairy
• Fish and shellfish

These substances aren't hazardous to your health; even insect stings, while painful, don't generally cause health problems. However, an allergic reaction can cause distressing symptoms and, in some cases, lead to anaphylaxis – an extreme response that can cause breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and death.

What does allergy testing involve?

There are several ways to perform allergy testing:

Patch testing

Patch testing involves having a patch with a potential allergen on it stuck to your back or arm overnight. Any reaction indicates you have an allergy to that substance.  

Skin prick testing

Skin prick testing is where your provider at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie makes tiny pricks in the skin on your forearm or back and applies a different allergen to each one.

Blood tests

Blood tests can identify high levels of antibodies in your blood that your body makes in response to an allergen.

What do the results of my allergy testing mean?

Once they have the allergy test results, your Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie provider can advise you on substances you need to avoid and offer medications to combat your symptoms. These could include antihistamines for a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes or steroids to reduce inflammation.

Another treatment option for non-food allergies is immunotherapy, which involves receiving small doses of your allergens until your body gets used to them.  

To find out more about allergy testing or arrange a test, call Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie or book an appointment online today.