Do you suffer from the discomfort of allergies? Allergy testing can help you find out what you’re allergic to so you can be treated. At Passion Health Primary Care, Shyamala Arani Purushotham MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooja Naik, MD, and the team perform allergy testing for patients experiencing allergy symptoms. To schedule an allergy test, call the offices in Frisco, Irving, Seven Points / Kemp, or Plano, Texas or use the convenient online booking tool.

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What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing helps determine what substances cause your body to have unwanted, negative reactions. Once your provider identifies the allergens, the proper treatment can be provided so you can start feeling better.

What symptoms indicate I need allergy testing?

Allergies can cause different symptoms depending on the allergen and your sensitivity. Symptoms of allergies include:

  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Inflamed skin
  • Stuffy nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Throat swelling
  • Hives
  • Itchy skin
  • Shortness of breath

In some cases, reactions to allergens can be life-threatening. If you have symptoms that cause you alarm, visit Passion Health Primary Care as soon as possible for allergy testing.

How does allergy testing work?

An allergy test can require different types of testing, including:

Skin prick tests

This requires your provider to prick your skin in several locations and apply a small drop of a suspected allergen into each skin prick. If you’re allergic to any of the substances, you’ll experience redness and swelling. Reactions usually appear in about 20 minutes.

Blood tests

This is performed by collecting a sample of your blood. The sample is sent to a laboratory for examination, which may take several days to get results.

Patch testing

This test applies patches containing certain allergens to your skin for 48 hours. Results are viewed in 48-72 hours.

Intradermal skin tests

This test requires a small number of allergens injected under the surface of your skin, usually in your upper arm. Results are visible after about 20 minutes.

How are allergies treated?

The simplest way to stop the symptoms of allergies is to avoid the allergen causing the problem. However, if the allergen can’t be avoided, then symptoms can be reduced with medications such as antihistamines.

Immunotherapy treats allergy sufferers, as well. With immunotherapy, you receive an injection of purified allergen extract over a few years to reduce your sensitivity.

In severe cases, your provider may prescribe an EpiPen® to provide an emergency response if you have a severe reaction and need immediate relief. You should seek medical attention as a follow-up.

To get needed allergy testing, call Passion Health Primary Care or use the online booking tool today.