Allergy Testing

Allergic reactions tend to worsen over time, getting more severe with each occurrence. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening reactions. Allergies to certain medications such as antibiotics or even aspirin can be very dangerous as well as allergies to natural rubber latex. If you have experienced an intense allergic reaction you should be tested to determine the cause and the severity of the allergy. Allergy blood tests are the most convenient testing available providing reliable and easy to understand results.

An extreme allergic reaction, called an anaphylactic shock, may result in swelling of the throat and nasal passage causing breathing difficulties, shock, rapid irregular pulse and loss of consciousness. In an anaphylaxis reaction the symptoms intensify swiftly. A severe allergic reaction to food is treated with epinephrine or adrenaline. A physician may prescribe an Epipen or Twinject for patients with known severe food allergies, which should be carried at all times. The patient should also wear a medical alert bracelet and seek medical assistance immediately, even if already self-injected with a dose of epinephrine. A bystander should either call 911 or transport the patient to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What Is A Food Allergy?

A food allergy arises when the immune system responds to a certain food. The number of Americans that report to a hospital emergency room each year due to food allergies is approximately 30,000. The number of food allergies among the population under the age of 20 has significantly increased over the last decade. Millions of people suffer from food allergies without even realizing it. In many cases, the allergies are genetically inherited, so entire families may be allergic to a food and not know it. Symptoms that you may have previously passed off as normal may be the result of an allergy to certain foods.

If you believe that you or someone in your family may be allergic to foods such as milk, wheat, peanuts, fish or other common foods, then you should strongly consider getting a blood test, such as the Basic Food Allergy Profile or an Extended Food Allergy Profile performed to accurately determine if you have these food allergies. Also if you are concerned about a sensitivity to gluten we recomend a Gluten Sensitivity Screen.

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

Food allergies can cause hives, itching, skin rash, asthma, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheaded, fainting, swelling of the lips, tongue or other body part. Unlike a food allergy, food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Symptoms of a food intolerance may include abdominal cramps, bloating or diarrhea. Recurring gastrointestinal problems after drinking milk is an example of intolerance to a particular food product.

What Is An Environmental Allergy?

An environmental allergy is a hypersensitivity to normally benign substances in the environment. An allergic reaction is typically characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction that comes on quickly and predictably. The allergic reaction specifically involves over-activation of white blood cells by an IgE antibody. Individuals suffering from environmental allergies are also at increased risk of asthma and sinus, ear, or upper respiratory infections. Health Testing Centers offer convenient seasonal and regional testing profiles as well as testing for substances such as latex. If you have concerns regarding an allergen that you don't find below please call our medical professionals to order.

What are the symptoms of an environmental allergy?

Symptoms of an environmental allergy can include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal swelling, itchy / red eyes, ear pain, skin rashes or hives, and when affecting the gastrointestinal system bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. Environmental allergic reactions include reactions to mold, insect stings, eczema, asthma attacks, and the extremely common hay fever (rhinitis), which causes a mild reaction of sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Environmental allergies are typically caused by seasonal allergens such as pollen or mold and can vary by the region that you live. Common symptoms are not life threatening but can seriously impair your quality of life.

A GUIDE: Allergies And Allergy Testing