Allergy Testing Services
Allergies are never fun. No one looks forward to the days and months of over the counter medicines, boxes of Kleenex, or the occasional hives. Allergies, unfortunately, can be a common occurrence for many people especially with the change of seasons, certain foods, dust, animals, bee stings etc. The only way to get ahead is to find out exactly what your triggers are.
What the heck is an ALLERGY
- An allergy is the result of the body’s increased sensitivity to common substances in the environment. These substances are called allergens
- Allergens cause reactions when entering the body through the skin, by inhalation or by ingestion
- Wind-blown pollens from grasses, weeds, trees, mold, animal hair, house dust, and foods are all examples of allergens
- When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen, the immune system produces an antibody, called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is the production of this antibody that eventually causes allergy symptoms; sneezing, runny nose, headaches, stomach cramps, joint pain etc.
Why do my allergies only appear some time or all the time?
- This depends on the cause of the allergy problems
- If it is an allergy due to pollen, you should see more symptoms when the plant causing the irritation releases its pollen.
- If you have a problem with indoor substances, such as house dust or food-related allergies, you are more likely to exhibit year-round symptoms.
How can I have my allergy diagnosed?
- A small sample of blood is drawn for diagnostic evaluation in the laboratory
- The test measures the level of circulating IgE antibody in the blood for each specific allergen tested.
- The greater the IgE level, the greater the sensitivity and allergic reaction will be
