Exposure to an allergens, the substances that causes an allergic reaction, can trigger an immune response within minutes. But most of the time allergy sufferers do not know what they were exposed to. Guessing what is triggering one’s allergic reaction can be haphazard at best and leaves the sufferer at risk for a future attack. Chronic allergies can cause fatigue, poor concentration, poor sleep, even mood changes.

Ear, Nose & Throat Plastic Surgery Center have Physicians with extensive experience dealing with both common and uncommon allergies. Using a variety of diagnostic testing tools, they can determine what your specific allergy trigger is and how best to treat it.

Allergy evaluation and treatment – The most common allergies derive from contact with inhaled environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. As several possible culprits already exist, testing for these allergens usually involves a simple no-needle test called a scratch test. If inconclusive a more detailed and specific test called an intradermal skin test may be performed. A third alternative Blood tests, are also used for environmental and food allergies. Testing helps distinguish allergic rhinitis from infections, gastric reflux, colds, and food allergies, all of which produce similar symptoms.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on how to live with and better treat your allergies. A
variety of medications are available to alleviate allergy symptoms as well. These include antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays, and steroid nasal sprays. But allergy immunotherapy may help you avoid requiring daily use of allergy medications . Allergy Immunotherapy/ shots can help you return to a normal life

Allergy testing performed on children age 2 and older

Allergies in infants and young children are common and often mistaken for long-lasting cold. However, as many as a third of all children are diagnosed with either asthma, allergic rhinitis, or a food allergy. Children may also exhibit skin rashes as the result of an allergic reaction. Determining the specific allergen is critical to effectively treating these allergies. Doing so involves a physical exam, review of family history to allergies, and sensitivity testing. A correct allergy diagnosis will enable the doctor to select the best course of action - whether it be medication, allergy shots, avoidance tactics, or a modification of diet.

Adult allergy testing

Allergy testing for adults involves first determining which allergens are triggering an allergic reaction. Identifying the culprit can be very helpful in treating ear, nose and throat symptoms. A skin test is typically appropriate for identifying inhaled allergens such as grass and tree pollens. They also serve to determine household triggers such as pet dander and house dust. In contrast, food allergies are often determined using a blood test and or skin test based on symptoms.

No needle scratch testing

A scratch test checks for a skin reactions to common allergens like dust, mold, and specific foods. For people who are afraid of needles, particularly children, a new procedure using plastic lancets instead of needles can be used as effectively for determining allergies. The skin is not punctured with this test, but is not as accurate as intradermal testing.

RAST blood testing for allergy

Radioallergosorbent blood testing helps physicians determine the substances a person is allergic to. Unlike a skin allergy scratch test, RAST blood testing can be performed without the patient getting off antihistamine medication. Moreover, Both adults and children can take an RAST allergy blood test.

Intradermal allergy test

Intradermal allergy tests are very sensitive, it is used to perform testing for suspected allergen where other test were negative. Such testing requires injecting a small amount of the suspected allergen underneath the skin surface. A small hive with swelling and redness after 15-20 minutes confirms an allergic reactions. Intradermal tests are usually more consistent and accurate than skin prick tests. Very few physicians or medical offices actually performs this test, Due to the cost, but it is one of the most accurate test. At Ear Nose & Throat plastic Surgery Center, we perform this test daily on patients after they are screened.

Living with allergies can take a real toll on both health and enjoyment of life. There are solutions that will allow you to literally breathe freer and live easier. Please contact us at Ear, Nose & Throat Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule your appointment with one of our physicians. Our direct line is 678-838-3903.