330-837-3559

Allergy Testing

We use allergy tests to determine what substance or substances are causing your symptoms

An allergic reaction is your body’s immune system attacking a substance that has entered the body. The substance is normally harmless, but your immune system overreacts, producing histamines to fight the substance it has identified as foreign and causing the many symptoms we consider allergies.

Nasal allergies are among the most common allergies, with symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, and hives, often caused by such substances at dust, pollen, mold, and animal dander. Frequently reactions are seasonal, but they can be chronic depending on what is causing the reaction.

Foods also can cause allergic reactions, and some may be more serious. A reaction may occur when a person consumes food, or it could be triggered just by breathing fumes from food. In extreme cases, reactions can range from shortness of breath or asthma to swelling of the throat and even anaphylactic shock. Because some of these symptoms can require hospitalization and can be life-threatening, it is important to understand what is causing your allergies and how best to treat your symptoms

Your exam and allergy tests

We use allergy tests to determine what substance or substances are causing your symptoms. Our doctors will perform a physical exam and discuss your medical history and symptoms to determine what type of testing will provide the most accurate information.
  • Skin testing – Also called scratch testing, it is skin pricks or small injections under the skin of various allergens. It is done in-office and provides immediate results for multiple allergens.
  • Blood testing – Tests blood for antibodies that would indicate an allergy to multiple different substances. Results typically take a few days.

Our Process

Skin Prick Test

Skin testing is an excellent first step in the diagnosis. Blood testing and patient history only can provide limited information, while skin testing provides detailed information. We offer skin prick testing to healthy patients aged 7 and older. The skin test measures which allergen causes an actual reaction. During this test, the skin is slightly pricked with a drop of allergen. Your skin is exposed to the allergen for about 20 minutes while the allergy nurse assesses for any signs of a reaction. We will be looking for signs such as redness and/or swelling. Then based on the prick test results intradermal testing will be done.
We test a comprehensive panel of allergens based on the common inhaled allergens in the area. These include trees, molds, grasses, weeds, dust, and pet dander. The results will be reviewed at your next follow-up appointment with the physician. This allows our patients to understand:
  • Their specific allergies
  • Environmental avoidance of allergies
  • Medical treatment options
  • Immunotherapy treatment:
An allergy test is well tolerated by patients, even the youngest patients. Once we have valuable information from testing, we can provide treatment options.

Intradermal Allergy Testing

Intradermal testing is very similar to the skin prick test. Instead of pricking the surface of the skin, our allergy nurse will inject the allergen right under the skin to form a bubble. This procedure is comparable to the common tuberculosis test. The intradermal test heightens skin sensitivity, allowing our nurse to notice any allergic reactions.

Certain medications will need to be held prior to being tested in order to get accurate results.

 

  • Antihistamines, including tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops
  • Cough syrups
  • Sleep aids, sedatives and muscle relaxers, including Tylenol PM
  • Anti-inflammatories, including Prednisone and Medrol
  • Tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics (doctor will advise)
If you are taking beta-blockers we will work with your heart doctor to arrange accurate and safe allergy testing for you.
ALLERGY TESTING PROTOCOL / MEDICATION GUIDELINES

2819 Aaronwood Ave NE, Massillon, OH 44646 Call Now (330) 837-3559