Allergy Testing

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes a typically harmless substance, such as food, pollen, or dust, for a threat and releases antibodies known as immunoglobulin E to fight it off. These antibodies cause your allergic reaction, which could include symptoms such as:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Rashes and hives
• Swelling and redness
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Some patients are also at risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It affects multiple body systems at the same time. Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and requires emergency treatment. 

When should I talk to a doctor about allergy testing?

You should make an appointment with the team at Flatbush Family Practice as soon as you think that you or a loved one has allergies. Getting an accurate diagnosis, including allergy testing, is the best way to identify the specific substances that trigger your allergies. 

Additionally, allergic reactions can change over time. While some children grow out of allergies, it's also possible for your reactions to become more severe and potentially put your life at risk. 

What happens during allergy testing?

Allergy testing is a carefully monitored process that helps your physician identify the substances that trigger your symptoms. 

During the test, your provider injects a small amount of a diluted allergen onto your skin. They monitor the injection site for any signs of an allergic reaction. Your doctor can test for multiple allergens simultaneously, creating a line or grid of tests. 

A member of the team stays with you throughout allergy testing, carefully monitoring your health and vital signs. While severe allergic reactions are rare, the team is on hand to take prompt action if you develop one.

How do you treat allergies?

The team at Flatbush Family Practice offers personalized treatment for all types of allergies, including rhinitis and sinus problems. That often includes creating multidisciplinary treatment programs to address your condition from multiple angles. 

For example, the team might help you create avoidance strategies to limit your exposure to the substances that trigger your allergies. They can also prescribe medication to manage your symptoms. 

The team might also recommend allergy shots, which is known as immunotherapy. This long-term treatment program exposes you to small, diluted amounts of an allergen to train your immune system not to respond.

Call Flatbush Family Practice today or make an appointment online if you're concerned about allergies and want to schedule allergy testing.