Some people get itchy eyes and stuffy noses from the pollen in the air, while others suffer from anaphylactic reactions caused by certain foods. Whether you’ve had a seemingly harmless allergy all your life or if you’re just beginning to notice some more aggressive allergy symptoms, it’s important to consider allergy testing as part of your preventive care plan. 

Regardless of your medical background or current diagnosis, you should seek regular medical testing to stay up-to-date on your body’s strengths and weaknesses. As we age, our immune systems are always changing, making us susceptible to developing allergies over time. Let’s look into the types of allergy tests you should look into, and the benefits that will come from allergy testing.

Know Your Medical History

Maybe as a child, you grew up with a family dog and it was assumed you had pet allergies without proper diagnosis. Some people get insect stings or a mosquito bite which causes a severe reaction–this should immediately be tested to rule out airborne allergies. If you’ve never had an allergy test but haven’t had an allergic reaction in the past, it’s still smart to see a medical professional for physical examination. You should also be going to a provider for regular vaccinations, which you’ll need to know you’re not allergic to!

Pro Tip: Some pharmacies offer free screenings or kits for you to test yourself at home, which can lead to unreliable test results. Make sure you’re going to a reputable medical professional for allergy testing. 

Types of Allergy Tests

There is an array of allergy tests that your provider will recommend for children and adults. Some of the most common types of allergy tests include:

• Blood Test: These tests aren’t as accurate as skin tests but can be used to determine allergens in small children who are scared of needles. The test needs one blood sample as opposed to multiple skin pricks. 
  • Airborne Allergens
  • Food Allergies
• Skin-Prick Test: A needle-like tool is used with a very small amount of the food or airborne allergen to prick your skin and see which substances cause a reaction.
  • Upper Back
  • Upper Arm
• Patch Test Allergy Testing: This is to determine skin allergies such as latex allergy or irritation caused by detergents or perfumes. Patch tests are suitable for skin conditions like hives or eczema. 

Benefits of Allergy Testing

By having your allergy testing results given by a medical professional after a physical, you’ll be able to develop a strategic prevention plan with treatment options provided by your doctor. This way you can anticipate when your allergies will come into full effect, giving you a chance to prevent them. You’ll also have the ability to change your diet to better suit your health needs and specifically target problem areas.

Creating a Treatment Plan for Your Allergies

If you are suffering from seasonal or year-round allergies, there are medications and other therapeutic treatments available. Speak with a provider to schedule your wellness check-up and allergy test so you can create a suitable treatment plan and take control of your health. 

Join the conversation for more information on allergy testing and wellness exams.