How are allergies diagnosed?
If you experience allergic symptoms that last longer than a week
or two and tend to recur, especially if they interfere with desired
activities (e.g., exercising outdoors, work, school, a good
night's sleep), you may benefit from evaluation and
management by a board-certified Allergy/Immunology physician.
Allergy skin testing can be used to identify the allergens that are
causing your symptoms. The test is performed by pricking your skin
with an extract of an allergen and then evaluating the skin's
reaction. If a skin test cannot be performed, a radioallergosorbent
(blood) test (RAST) may be taken.
The RAST evaluates allergy antibodies in the bloodstream
produced by the immune system. Elevated levels of these antibodies
can diagnose particular allergies, but this test is less sensitive
than skin testing and for this reason is not preferred.
Can allergies be cured?
Many with allergies tend to suffer in silence. If you do, you
should understand that you don't need to grin and bear it.
While there is no cure for allergies, with proper management this
condition can be effectively controlled.
Making changes in your environment can greatly limit your
exposure to certain allergens and reduce your symptoms. Medications
that are safe and effective can be prescribed. Allergen
immunotherapy is also an option for reducing symptoms and
medication reliance on a long-term basis.