How can I find out if I have allergies?
A trip to the doctor is the only way to find out if you have
allergies and what you are allergic to. To learn more about
allergies, facts, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living
with allergies visit WebMD.
More than 50 million people in the United States have been
diagnosed with allergies. Contact your doctor and schedule
a test to see if you have allergies.
How are allergy test done?
The majority of allergy screening are performed on the patient’s skin.
Allergies can also be diagnosed through blood tests, but these tests are more
costly and the results take longer. With the skin test, a small sample of an
allergen is scratched on the surface of your skin. If you are allergic to the
allergen, your skin will turn red and/or swell. Several allergens are usually
tested at the same time and the pain level of this test is minimal.
How do I know when it’s time to see an allergist?
It’s time to see an allergist if your over-the-counter
medicines aren’t working anymore, you are having trouble
breathing, you experience allergy symptoms for several months
of the year, you aren’t able to perform your daily activities,
or the quality of your life is suffering because of your allergies.
For most people, a trip the allergist can bring some much
needed relief and a return to a normal life.
How can I find an allergist in my area that is certified?
Go to http://www.acaai.org/public/patients/test.htm and use the Allergist Locator
to find a certified allergist in your zip code. You may also call the American
College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology at (800) 842-7777 to use their
nationwide allergist referral service.
How can I tell if I have asthma?
Asthmatic symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, a persistent cough,
and a tight chest. You might consider taking an online
asthma test.
Regardless of the results, the only way to know for sure is to schedule an
appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are vital
for living a healthy life with asthma.
