Allergies can cause mild to severe symptoms that can interfere with daily activities. Allergy testing is an important aspect of diagnosing and treating your allergy symptoms. To improve your quality of living by following a treatment plan for your specific allergies, you should consult with a qualified Allergist in Evansville. Below are some common questions and answers about allergies, tests and treatment in IN.
Q.) What causes some people to have allergic reactions to certain things?
A.) To help keep illnesses and viruses out of your body, your immune system produces antibodies to fight them off. Some people have a very sensitive immune system that treats allergens such as pet dander, pollen and dust as harmful substances. To fight them off when they interact with your body, your immune system will assault the allergens, which can cause watery eyes, a runny nose and sneezing.
Q.) What types of procedures are available to test for allergies?
A.) The Allergist in Evansville, IN at Accredited Asthma, Allergy and Food Intolerance Center may choose to do a skin test to check for allergies. During a skin test, an area of your arm or back is pricked with a known allergen. After waiting for several minutes, your skin will become red or bumpy where the allergen was placed if you’re allergic to that specific allergen. If you’re not allergic to it, there will be no change in your skin. By pricking your skin with many different types of common allergens, your allergist in IN can tell exactly what substances you’re allergic to.
Q.) What types of treatments are available to help my allergy symptoms?
A.) After testing, your Allergist in Evansville may prescribe medications such as an antihistamine, a decongestant or a corticosteroid to help control your symptoms. Another common form of treatment is a weekly allergy shot. The injection contains a tiny amount of the allergen and it works by training your body not to fight off the allergen.
If you suffer from allergies, C. Steven Smith, Allergist in Evansville, IN specializes in allergy testing, diagnosis and treatment. Types of allergies treated include pet allergies, food allergies, hay fever and sinus issues.