How to Prepare for an Allergy Test

If you suspect that you have allergies, it could be extremely beneficial for you to get allergy testing done. If you sneeze excessively, get sinus infections every year, or have itching in your ears and throat, there is a good chance that you have an indoor or outdoor allergy or a combination of the two. If you feel sick or bloated, get a skin rash, or your throat itches after eating, you may have an intolerance to certain foods. There is allergy testing for both food and environmental allergens. It is important to pinpoint what you are having a reaction to so that you avoid the allergen or take the proper medication to manage your symptoms. There are certain things that you must do to prepare for each type of test. 

Indoor/Outdoor Allergy Test

This type of test involves putting a small amount of common allergens under your skin with a needle to see if you have a reaction. The skin surface is barely disturbed as the needle goes right under the skin and is not inserted deeply. If you develop a welt or hive where the allergen was inserted then you should avoid this substance.

Before this test:

Stop taking allergy medication

You must stop taking any type of allergy medication at least a week before the test so that the histamines in your immune system aren't blocked. If you take any kind of allergy pill or inhaler, you won't be able to have a reaction to the test so your results will be skewed.

Wear loose clothing

The doctor or nurse will need access to your back and arms to apply the allergens to your skin.

Food Allergy Testing

Before this test:

Before you are tested for food allergies you will be put on an elimination diet to see if avoiding certain foods make you feel better. You will keep a food diary and note how you feel when these foods are eliminated from your diet. If your doctor suspects an intolerance rather than a severe allergy, it is likely that you be asked to start adding foods back in one at a time to see how each one makes you feel.

The procedure

If your doctor suspects that you have a life-threatening allergy, he or she will expose you to a small amount of the food, either through intradermal testing or through a test where a small amount of the substance is inhaled. This will be done under strict supervision in case a severe reaction occurs.

For further information or to schedule an allergy test, contact an establishment like Allergy Clinic - Idaho.

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