Overview
Allergy testing is used to help determine the cause for allergic reactions. The results of allergy tests can help patients and physicians develop a treatment plan to effectively manage allergy symptoms. Allergy testing may include a medical history, a physical examination, allergy skin tests, allergy blood tests, and food allergy testing.
An allergy is an abnormal immune system response that occurs as a result of exposure to certain substances (called allergens). An allergic reaction occurs when an allergen-specific antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is produced by the immune system and binds to cells in the body (mast cells), comes into contact with the specific allergen for which it was produced.
Allergens cause the immune system, specifically white blood cells, to produce IgE antibodies that attach themselves to mast cells or basophils. The allergen attaches to specific IgE antibodies on the surface of the mast cell, and when the allergen and the IgE antibodies combine, the release of histamine (substance that dilates blood vessels) and other chemicals is triggered, causing allergy symptoms.
Allergies are linked to serious respiratory illness such as allergic rhinitis , sinusitis , and asthma , and severe allergies can cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Allergy symptoms include the following:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis)
- Fatigue
- Hives (urticaria) and or swelling (angioedema)
- Itching
- Itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Runny nose, sneezing
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing
Allergists/immunologists are physicians specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies. If an allergy is suspected, the physician may ask the patient to keep a record of when, where, and under what circumstances the symptoms occur. To help diagnose an allergy, the allergist/immunologist takes a medical and family history (allergies often run in families) and performs a physical examination and diagnostic tests. A medical history includes information about symptoms (e.g., where and when they occur) and information about the patient's home, work, and school environment.
During physical examination, the allergist/immunologist examines the ears, eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. In some cases, a pulmonary function test is performed to determine how well the patient is able to expel air from the lungs.
Types of Allergy Tests
Skin tests often are used to diagnose allergies. These tests involve little discomfort and take about 30 minutes to perform. An allergist/immunologist interprets the results of the test in conjunction with the patient's history and uses these results to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment may include medications and allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Prior to allergy skin tests, a positive histamine control test and a negative saline control test may be performed. A positive ...
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