Allergy Testing Services Offered In Live Oak, Stone Oak And Southside, San Antonio, Schertz And New Braunfels, TX
If you have an allergy, proper testing is essential to protect yourself from a sudden reaction. With locations in the Stone Oak, Southside, and North Star neighborhoods of San Antonio and in Castle Hills, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Live Oak, Texas, Derin Patel, MD, and the team at Hillside Primary Care perform multiple types of allergy testing and create a comprehensive plan that helps you avoid and protect yourself against triggers. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
What is allergy testing?
Allergy testing uses various methods to detect overreactions from your immune system — the body’s natural defender against infectious diseases and viruses. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a usually-harmless substance like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods.
Are there different types of allergy testing?
There are multiple types of allergy testing, including:
- Skin prick test
A skin prick test involves placing a small amount of an allergen — the substance you may be allergic to — onto your skin, then puncturing it. If you have a reaction within 15-20 minutes, it’s safe to assume you’re allergic to the substance. Skin prick tests help the team diagnose your allergies in a controlled environment.
These tests effectively detect allergies to mold, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and certain types of food.
Intradermal test
During an intradermal test, the team injects a small amount of an allergen directly beneath the skin’s surface. If you’re allergic to the substance, your skin may appear red or inflamed within about 15 minutes.
Less common than skin prick testing, an intradermal test is ideal for detecting penicillin and venom allergies.
Blood work
Blood tests identify increased immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels. The team may recommend blood work if you’re not a good candidate for skin prick or intradermal tests.
After discussing your symptoms, the team can determine the appropriate allergy test for you.
How do I know if I need allergy testing?
There are many signs that you need allergy testing, including:
- Red, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Hives
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Skin rash
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy symptom that can be life-threatening without emergency epinephrine. This reaction causes throat swelling, shortness of breath, and even unconsciousness.
What allergies require testing?
Comprehensive testing is essential to detect the signs of any allergy. While you can be allergic to nearly any substance, the most common types are:
- Seasonal allergies (pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.)
- Latex
- Foods (nuts, eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, etc.)
- Pet dander
- Contact dermatitis (skin rash)
- Medications (penicillin, anticonvulsants, antibiotics)
Allergy testing helps you avoid triggers and develop a well-rounded treatment plan to protect yourself against adverse reactions.
Call Hillside Primary Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about allergy testing.