What’s the Best Way to Get Tested for Allergies?
You might have a cold if you have a runny or stuffy nose or watery eyes. However, if your symptoms only appear when you’re outside, among animals, or consume a certain food, you may have an allergy. Some allergy sufferers experience frequent sneezing, hives, or rashes that don’t extend to other body areas. Others, however, may experience a severe reaction that leaves them unable to breathe and in immediate need of medical attention. Where can I have allergy testing near me in Bedfordshire? Keep reading to find out.
What are the 10 most common allergies?
Below are the 10 most common allergies:
1. Foods – examples include cow’s milk, eggs, fish, soy, shellfish, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts
2. Animals – dander from both cats and dogs as well as pet hair
3. Latex
4. Pollen
5. Insect stings
6. Mould
7. Dust Mites
8. Medications
9. Cockroaches
10. Perfumes and household chemicals
What is the best way to get allergy testing near me?
A skin test is the most popular method of allergy testing. This is because it provides the quickest and most precise results.
Blood Tests
Your pharmacist might perform a blood test instead if you take medication that might skew the findings of an allergy test, have delicate skin, or have had a negative response to a skin test in the past.
Your pharmacist will receive the results of your blood sample test within a few days.
Food Allergies
Your doctor could advise you to avoid eating a particular food or group of foods if they suspect you may be allergic to them and find out if that helps. It is referred to as an elimination diet.
You’ll stop eating those things for two to four weeks and check to see whether you experience any allergy symptoms within that time. If you don’t, your pharmacist will advise you to resume consuming the foods in order to determine whether your symptoms return. If they do, you probably have an allergy to certain foods.
Additionally, your pharmacist might recommend that you do an oral food challenge. Only an allergist working in a medical setting should perform this.
The test is carried out by administering extremely small doses of the food you could be allergic to while monitoring your reactions. If you don’t show any, they’ll gradually increase your dosage. They will terminate the test if you begin to exhibit symptoms.
Hives or a flushed appearance are the most typical warning indications. If that occurs, you will be given medication to help you feel better. You can rule out having an allergy to that particular food if you don’t experience a reaction.
Is getting allergy testing near me in Bedfordshire worth it?
When you have allergies, your entire perspective of the world is altered. You now always pack your allergy medication for weekend getaways and outdoor events to help with your sniffling, sneezing, and other symptoms. It might be time to get an allergy test if you’re seeking guidance on what you can do for a more long-term fix.
While pollen, pet dander and mould are frequently regarded as the “usual suspects,” there are really hundreds of additional probable causes for your allergies. In order to find relief, you must identify the root of your discomfort. Allergy tests are your best option in circumstances like this. This gives the pharmacist a framework to begin immunotherapy, (long-term treatment for chronic allergies), in addition to helping them identify the exact allergens that are generating your issues.
When should I get allergy testing near me in Bedfordshire?
You should consult an allergist if you experience frequent colds, coughs, or head congestion. The signs of asthma or allergies frequently appear gradually over time.
Patients who experience frequent allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, or wheezing may grow accustomed to them. These symptoms can typically be avoided or treated with the assistance of an allergist, significantly enhancing the quality of life.
Planning, competence, and patience are necessary to effectively manage asthma and allergies. The allergist can create a treatment plan for your particular disease according to their specific training.
It’s also always worth checking your blood pressure to ensure that it’s normal to avoid the complications that come with high blood pressure. Read more about checking your blood pressure in our previous blog post here:
How much does it cost to find out what you’re allergic to?
The most popular test to determine what you are allergic to costs £150 and involves a skin prick.
Book your appointment with C&H Barton Pharmacy today to get your allergy tested.
This blog post was written on behalf of C & H Barton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.