The symptoms of allergies are often irritating, and they can have a negative impact on daily activities. If you’re constantly experiencing headaches, sneezing, or itchy skin, contact an Allergy Doctor in Elizabethtown KY, to get relief. By reading the answers to the frequently asked questions below, you’ll find out about the diagnosis and treatment options for allergies.
Q.) How does an allergy doctor diagnose specific allergies?
A.) Common types of allergy testing include blood tests and skin tests. During a skin test procedure, an allergist will place certain known allergens on the skin and check for an allergic reaction. After a blood test, an allergist checks the allergen reaction levels of antibodies that are present in the blood. After performing an allergy test, the allergist will know the exact cause of the allergies and begin treatment.
Q.) Is it painful to have an allergy test and how long will it take to get the results?
A.) As the allergist performs the allergy test, the patient will feel a light scratch or the tip of a needle on the skin. After the allergen is placed on the skin, the allergist will see the results in about 20 minutes. When the test is finished, the test area on the skin may be red or swollen for a few hours.
Q.) What types of treatment options are available for allergies?
A.) To treat allergies, an Allergy Doctor in Elizabethtown KY, may prescribe a combination of medications, allergy shots, and lifestyle changes to control allergies. Common types of allergy medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops. An allergist may also prescribe weekly or bi-weekly allergy shots. The shot, which is given in the upper arm, contains the specified allergen. After taking the shots for a certain number of years, the allergy symptoms should disappear. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding a specific allergy trigger, placing a humidifier in the house to clear a stuffy nose, and having mold removed from the home.
Accredited Asthma Allergy & Food Intolerance Center specializes in the treatment of allergies and offers allergy testing. Types of allergies treated include hay fever, pet allergies, sinus conditions, and food allergies.
