The first step in an effective allergy treatment plan is determining what triggers your symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, mold, certain foods, medications and insect stings. Through testing, our specialists at Glacier ENT & Hearing Services can determine which allergens your immune system overreacts to and create an effective treatment plan.
How Does Allergy Testing Work?
Skin Prick Testing
Your doctor will use a needle to prick the skin of your forearm or back with potential allergens, or put droplets of allergens on your skin and lightly puncture the area. This test can determine airborne, food or penicillin allergies. If you’re allergic to the substance, you may experience:
- Redness
- Raised skin
- Round spots
Intradermal Test
Frequently used when skin prick tests are inconclusive, during this procedure, your ENT will inject small amounts of allergens into the epidermis or the outer layer of your skin.
Patch Test
Your ENT will cover your arm with a bandage after putting drops of an allergen in the area. You’ll leave the bandage on and return to our office a few days later, and your doctor will remove the bandage to check for a reaction. This test is often used to determine the cause of contact dermatitis.
Blood Test
A blood sample is sent to the laboratory, where lab staff will put allergens in it to measure the level of IgE antibodies.
Challenge Test
You’ll swallow a small amount of a potential allergen with supervision from your doctor, with the goal of determining how you react to them. This test determines food or drug allergies and should only be done with medical supervision.
Pulmonary Function Tests
These exams determine how well your lungs are working and are often completed in addition to allergy tests.
Where Can I Get an Allergy Test?
If you’re dealing with uncomfortable allergy symptoms, Glacier ENT & Hearing Services ENTs can help you find relief. We’ll determine which test will be most effective in determining what triggers your allergies, and from there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan.
Call Glacier ENT & Hearing Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.