Questions New Allergy Patients May Have
Being an allergy patient can be a rather unpleasant experience to go through. The risk of having a serious allergic reaction can cause individuals to make major adjustments to their lives. To help patients better understand the harmful allergens that they should avoid, there are allergy tests that can help a patient understand the exact substances that will trigger an allergic reaction.
Will Allergy Tests Be Useful For Asthma Patients?
Asthma is a particularly serious respiratory condition that can result in the airways in the lungs become constricted and inflamed. When this occurs, a patient will find that they are unable to breathe, and this can pose potentially life threatening risks. An allergy test can help an asthma patient to learn about the substances that will trigger a response that may result in an asthma attack. However, it is important to note that these tests will not be able to confirm whether a patient is actually suffering from asthma. You will need the services of a respiratory specialist to obtain a diagnosis for this condition.
How Are Allergens Administered During Allergy Tests?
During an allergy test, your skin will be exposed to some of the more common allergens that are likely to trigger these responses. These allergens can be introduced to the skin through a couple of different ways. One of the more common will be through making a shallow scratch on the surface of the skin. Another option will be to use a needle to inject a small portion of the allergen under the skin. While these tests may sound like they will be painful, patients should expect to feel little more than a pricking sensation.
What Should Those With Food Allergies Do When Experiencing An Allergic Reaction?
If you have been diagnosed with a food allergy, it is important to take proactive steps to avoid being exposed to the substances that will trigger an allergy attack. Food allergies that are particularly severe as they can cause the throat to swell shut, which can completely block the air from entering the lungs. Unfortunately, there is always a risk that you may accidentally be exposed to these substances. To help you be prepared to address these situations, your doctor will prescribe you medications, such as epinephrine, to help you avoid the worst symptoms. Also, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of further complications from this reaction occurring.
For more information, check out websites like http://www.billingsclinic.com.