Allergies are something that almost everyone deals with from time to time. How do you know what is causing them? Seeking out Allergy Testing in Louisville KY can bring relief and answers.
What are allergies?
There are many kinds of allergic diseases which are simply a hypersensitivity to something in the environment. Reactions can be mild such as a runny nose and itchy eyes. More severe manifestations may present in the form of hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Seasonal allergies are different at varying times of the year. Usually caused by the pollination schedule of trees, flowers, and grasses, this type of allergy causes coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Ragweed is the most common culprit because it grows in a large area of the United States over many months.
Pet allergies can leave your health in the doghouse. Ten percent of the U.S. population has an allergy to an animal. If that animal lives with you, you can expect a typical allergic reaction, and some people experience a more severe reaction with shortness of breath and skin reactions.
Food allergies are caused by the things we eat. Different from food intolerance, true food allergies occur in four percent of adults. The most common foods that cause allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
Allergy Testing
There are a few ways to be tested for allergic diseases. Skin prick testing is done by making punctures in the skin. A small amount of different allergens is inserted into the punctures and a waiting period of about thirty minutes is observed. If the patient is allergic the area around the puncture will react ranging from skin redness to a full-blown hive.
Patch testing uses adhesive squares loaded with allergens to test for immediate reactions. Patch testing also tests for delayed reactions and may help to determine the cause of contact dermatitis. After the patches are placed on the skin, they will be checked after a period of two and then three days.
A blood test in another option. This can be beneficial for young children and babies who may not tolerate the skin prick or patch testing. It’s considered very safe since the patient is not exposed to any allergens during testing.
Finding a Doctor
If you are looking for Allergy Testing in Louisville KY a good place to start is with Dr. Smith. Visit Drsmithallergy.com for more information.