Allergic Rhinitis & Available Testing

Environmental allergies can be seasonal or they can occur year-round.  Common triggers for allergies include dust mites, animal dander, molds and pollens.

It sometimes can be difficult to discover what is causing your allergy symptoms. Figuring out what you are allergic to enables us to develop a personal treatment plan and reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

Should I be tested?

Many people with untreated allergy symptoms aren’t aware of how much better they can feel once their symptoms are properly diagnosed and managed. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Watery and red eyes
• Cough and post nasal drainage
• Hives, itchiness or other skin conditions

Types of allergy tests

Allergy tests are the best and safest way to tell exactly what triggers your symptoms.

• Skin tests: This is the most common kind of testing. In this test, a small amount of allergen is placed on your skin, and this area is pricked or scratched. If you are allergic, you’ll experience a little swelling at the site of the prick test. Results of this test are usually available within 15 minutes.
• Intradermal tests: Intradermal tests are more sensitive than prick tests, and may be used when prick test results are inconclusive.

Treatment

Treatment involves 3 main categories of avoidance, medications and allergy shots.

• Depending on what is positive on allergy testing, Dr. Basen or Dr. Venkat will review various avoidance measures
• Medications
• Allergy shots or immunotherapy