Allergy testing
Allergies can range from being an annoyance to a life-threatening problem. Vaijinath Chakote, MD, and the team at Empire Medical Services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, and Rockaway Beach, New York, offer allergy tests to help you get to the bottom of what causes your allergy symptoms. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get started on your allergy treatment plan.
Allergy Testing Q & A
What are allergens?
Allergens cause your body to have a reaction, most commonly itching or sneezing, to certain types of things like pollen or cats. The most common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Animal dander
- Cockroaches
- Insect stings
- Latex
- Food
- Medication
Allergies generally develop during childhood, though it’s also possible to have adult-onset allergies that don’t begin until you’re older.
What is an allergy test?
At Empire Medical Services, Dr. Chakote and his team use an allergy skin test to determine your allergies by assessing dermatological disorders. Your skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction.
What happens during an allergy test?
During the testing, a tiny drop of the possible allergen is usually placed on your arm and is then scratched into your skin. Your provider evaluates the reaction and determines your allergies, which helps them create a customized allergy treatment plan. The test might cause some itching and irritation in the scratched location, but it should be minor.
The test is safe since there is only a small amount of the allergen placed on your arm.
What treatments are available for allergies?
Dr. Chakote and the team at Empire Medical Services can help you find the best treatment plan. Your provider may recommend allergen avoidance, which means avoiding the things causing your symptoms. Or, they might recommend taking medications or allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. This can help if avoidance doesn’t work or it’s or simply not feasible to avoid the allergen.
What if I have serious allergies?
It’s not very common but is possible to have life-threatening allergies. After you’re exposed to the allergen, your body can have anaphylaxis, which causes swelling of your mouth and difficulty breathing. You may have to take antihistamines and carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPenⓇ) around with you at all times in case of emergency.
If you think you’re allergic to something, it’s important to have an allergy test to determine a treatment plan with the team at Empire Medical Services. They can help you with both testing and a treatment plan all in one location, making life simpler for you. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get started.
