When you have allergies, your entire outlook on life changes. You do not travel to weekend vacations or outdoor events without bringing your allergy medication with you to aid with your sneezing, sniffling, and other symptoms. Whereas medicine might provide comfort, an allergy test could be necessary if you want a more long-term solution. Considering there are numerous causal factors for allergies, including mildew, pet dander, and pollen, allergy testing in Bridgewater is the best way to get to the root of the problem. Besides, it provides your specialist with a foundation to begin immunotherapy, a lasting solution for chronic allergies. If you are wondering whether to have allergy testing, check out this post to find out more.
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Is It Necessary To Have An Allergy Test? Ask Yourself These Questions
1. How Frequently Do Your Allergies Bother You?
Generally, acute sinus and allergy issues last four weeks or less. However, chronic sinus and allergy problems might last eight to twelve weeks, sometimes even years. If your allergy symptoms linger more than two weeks and are recurrent, you should get an allergy test.
2. Can Over-The-Counter Medicine Eliminate Your Symptoms?
Numerous persons may get by just using an over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec or Benadryl during allergy season. However, others find that over-the-counter and prescription drugs are ineffective. Even if they alleviate your symptoms, you will have to take the pills for a few years to prevent the allergies from reappearing. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is often a more practical and cost-effective way to eliminate your symptoms completely, and the first stage in the process is an allergy test.
3. Do Your Allergies Continue To Frustrate You Even If You Avoid The Presumed Allergens?
It is common for patients to visit Respacare, thinking that the cause of their allergic reactions is pet dander, mold, or pollen, only to find out that it is not the issue. As such, you may find that your allergy is not resolving regardless of your best efforts to avoid the suspected allergens. Allergy testing allows your specialist at Respacare to pinpoint the source of the issue and suggest the best course of action.
Who Does Not Need An Allergy Test?
Although the allergy testing procedures are typically safe, your provider will need to assess your specific situation before suggesting you undertake it. An allergy skin test might not be the best option if:
- You have ever had Anaphylaxis; a serious, deadly allergic reaction
- You are presently taking drugs that may disrupt your test outcomes
- You have serious psoriasis or eczema
What Exactly Is Immunotherapy And How May It Benefit You?
Immunotherapy, also known as ‘allergy shots,’ works by exposing your body to limited, diluted versions of the allergens that are triggering your difficulties. Throughout your treatment, your body adapts to the allergen, and no more response to it. As a result, you will not have to take allergy treatment daily to take part in the activities you love.
As is always the case, prevention is preferable to cure. Identifying the source of your allergic responses early may help you avoid unpleasant and possibly life-threatening symptoms later. To learn more about allergy testing and what it can do for you, call the Respacare office or request an appointment online today.
