FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Allergy Causes
What is an allergy?
One of the marvels of the human body is that it can defend itself against harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria. In some people, the body reacts to harmless substances such as dust, mold, or pollen by producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When patients with one of the allergic diseases (such as rhinitis or
asthma) are exposed to these substances, the immune system then rallies its defenses, launching a host of complex chemical weapons to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening symptoms may be experience. (acaai.org)
What causes an allergic reaction?
Hundreds or even thousands of ordinary substances can trigger allergic reactions. These are called "allergens." Among the most common are plant pollens, molds, household dust (dust mites), animal dander, industrial chemicals, foods, medicines, and insect stings.
An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body, but usually appears in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs -- places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed, or come in contact with the skin. (acaai.org)
What are common allergy symptoms?
The severity and kinds of allergy symptoms depend on a person's genetics, the allergic condition and the type and amount of allergens involved. There are many different types of allergic conditions. An allergic condition is the appearance of allergy signs and symptoms in specific organs or areas of the body. The most common allergy symptoms affect the nose, sinuses, lungs and eyes. However, in some conditions, organs such as the skin, digestive system and blood vessels can be affected as well. Not all allergic reactions happen the same way. Some allergy symptoms occur immediately after exposure to an allergen, while others take hours or days to occur. Scientists think that the biological events leading up to immediate allergic reactions are different from those that result in delayed allergic reactions.
Immediate Allergic Response
Immediate allergic reactions typically occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Allergic reaction time will vary depending on a person's genetics and on the site of the body affected.
Delayed Allergic Response
Delayed or late-phase allergic reactions generally occur 2 – 6 hours after exposure (and even longer in some people). Signs and symptoms of delayed or late-phase allergic reactions are generally the same as those for immediate allergic reactions.
In the case of allergic asthma, a delayed allergic reaction can cause other problems, such as loss of sleep due to nighttime asthma attacks. There are ways to time allergy and asthma medications to reduce symptoms of the delayed allergic response.
Allergy Tests
What is the best method for allergy testing?
The best first step in the diagnosis of allergies is a through health history and physical examination. If you have allergy symptoms that occur in association with exposure to certain things, that is highly significant. Allergy diagnostic tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, provide similar information and merely confirm what your health history tells the doctor. If your doctor were to rely exclusively on the results of skin or blood tests (without history and physical examination), you could be diagnosed as having an allergic problem that you do not necessarily have.
Skin tests, in most situations, are preferable because:
- The results are available immediately.
- They are less expensive.
- They are more sensitive to subtle allergies.
A blood test is appropriate in certain situations, particularly:
- When you cannot suspend antihistamine therapy which can inhibit skin tests.
- When you have widespread skin disease making skin testing difficult.
- When you are so sensitive to the allergen that the test might be risky.
- When you cannot be skin tested for some other reason. (acaai.org)
How can an allergist help?
An allergist has specialized training and expertise in managing patients with these conditions. They can help you identify causes, triggers and develop a treatment plan for your individual needs. The goal is for you to lead a life that is normal and as symptom-free as possible.
What can I expect during my first allergy visit?
An allergy evaluation has many components. It will include a thorough history of your symptoms, triggers, and environment. A physical exam is performed to aid in making a diagnosis. Many types of diagnostic testing are available as well. This may include allergy skin testing, pulmonary functions, and specialized tests that can be ordered for specific medication, food, or exercise conditions. A treatment plan is designed to address the specific concerns of each patient, with the goal to have each patient understand their disease, as well as its treatment and prevention options.
How long does testing take?
We ask that you allow at least 2 hours for your first appointment, this appointment will include testing and a discussion regarding your medical and environmental history.
What can I do to prepare for allergy testing?
We ask that each patient stay off these antihistamines 5 days prior to their appointment to be considered for allergy testing. Allergy testing is dependent on each individual patients’ family and personal history.
These are some of the questions to think about to prepare for your visit:
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- Do your symptoms appear and/or worsen when you are at a particular location, during a given season of the year or at a specific time of day?
- How long have you experienced your symptoms?
- What kind of work do you do? What sort of things are you exposed to at work?
- Are there pets in your home?
- What are your hobbies (i.e., gardening, playing sports)?
- Do any other family members have an allergic condition?
What if I cannot stay off antihistamines?
If you cannot stay off your antihistamines due to the severity of your symptoms, you may not be able to be tested. We do ask for patients to keep their initial consult appointments and our providers will determine the next steps during your visit.
How much does allergy testing cost?
We provide all our patients with pricing transparency sheets. Our billing team checks each individual patients benefits and a breakdown of cost is provided at the time of the visit. We also have aa resource that can provide an estimate of services.