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Here at Matthews Internal Medicine, we know that going to the doctor can be stressful. That’s especially true if you’re going in for a new type of procedure. One thing we get a lot of questions about is allergy testing. Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction isn’t clear, so some more comprehensive testing is required. Patients want to know what to expect, how long it could take, and what kind of follow up appointments might be needed. Fortunately, our family practice is well-equipped to answer all of those questions and prepare you for your first chat with an allergist.

You’ll Be Exposed to Many Potential Allergens

Because your doctor is unsure of what’s causing an allergic reaction, you’ll need to be exposed to a wide variety of allergens. You want to make sure that you’re avoiding the right things and not cutting out something that actually isn’t adversely affecting you and causing a reaction. Occasionally it will appear that you’re allergic to one thing, while something else entirely is the cause. This necessitates tests with a wide range of potential triggers.

There Are Different Kinds of Tests

Allergy testing comes in a few shapes and forms. Skin tests are the most common. It’s the simplest, least painful option and can be used to test a variety of allergens. Skin tests can even be used to aid in the diagnosis of food allergies. Basically, a doctor will puncture your skin to introduce an allergen into your system and see how you react. After a short amount of time, you might notice a reaction like a red, itchy bump that indicates a particular allergen is a problem. There’s also another type of skin test, known as a patch test, that exposes you to an allergen for a lengthier period of time.

There are also blood tests, which can be used if you’ve had severe allergic reactions in the past. They don’t actually expose you to an allergen. Instead, a doctor will draw blood and look for certain antibodies. These tests are a bit more expensive than skin tests though, so keep that in mind.

Medications Can Interfere with the Results

One thing to keep in mind is that the medications you’re on can actually interfere with your allergy test results. It’s important to talk to your internist about what medicines you’re taking and see if they might prevent a skin test from offering reliable results. Sometimes you might need to avoid some drugs in the time right before your allergy testing.

Knowing Your History Helps

When you go in for allergy testing, your doctor may ask you a few questions. Remembering when you’ve had symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and if anything exacerbated them or made them better can all make your diagnosis and eventual treatment easier.

Your Doctor Will Make a Plan

Once your testing is all done, your doctor will help you make a plan. You’ll discuss how to avoid allergens, what medications can be used to help, and if any other types of therapy could help you with your allergy-related issues. Before you know it, you’ll be managing your allergies like a pro. Allergy testing can seem like a pain, but spending a little bit of time to do it can really pay off.