Allergy Testing & Treatment
Allergies affect more than 50 Million Americans! Most people don’t even know they have an allergy to pollens or danders. CGN EPENT is here to help and alleviate your symptoms.
What are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander. It could even be a food item! Your immune system produces antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful (even though it isnt). This reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or even digestive system.
How does CGN EPENT test for allergies?
There are two ways to test for Allergies, however be aware that these allergy tests can be falsely positive, or falsely negative.
- Skin Test. A doctor or nurse will prick your skin and expose you to small amounts of the protiens found in potential allergens. If you’re allergic, you’ll likely develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin.
- Blood Test. Specific IgE (slgE) blood testing, commonly called radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or ImmunoCAP testing, measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to possible allergens.
How do I treat my Allergies?
Some allergie treatments include:
- Allergen Avoidance. Your provider will help you take steps to identify and avoid your allergy triggers. This is generally the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms.
- Medication. Depending on your allergy, medications can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. Your doctor might suggest over-the-counter or prescription medication in the form of pills or liquid, nasal sprays, or eyedrops.
- Immunotherapy. For severe allergies or allergies not completely relieved by other treatment, your provider might recommend allergen immunotherapy. This treatment involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts, usually given over a period of a few years. Another form of immunotherapy is a tablet that’s placed under the tongue (sublingual) until it dissolves.
- Emergency Epinephrine. If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry and emergency epinephrine shot at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, or other) can reduce symptoms until your recieve emergency treatment.