Allergies can make your life miserable, no matter the cause. Symptoms like hives, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat can make living your day-to-day life really difficult. 

Allergies are the sixth most common chronic illness in the United States with more than 50 million people struggling with them nationwide. Allergies happen when your body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance – usually from food or something from the environment such as pollen or pet dander. The type of allergic reaction varies from person to person and can range from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

While many people may have a hunch about what's causing their allergies, allergy testing is needed to determine the true culprit of your allergic reaction.

Mark C. Stahl, DO, and our team at Apex Allergy and Asthma offer allergy testing so you can start the process of getting your allergies under control and regain your quality of life.

Common Allergens

Before getting tested for allergies, it’s beneficial to understand the different kinds and categories of allergies you can be tested for.

Food allergies

Food allergies happen when your body recognizes a certain food as an invader, triggering a response from your immune system. The most commonly seen food allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Dairy products
• Wheat
• Soy

It’s important to know what foods are causing allergic reactions since food allergies can be life-threatening.

Environmental allergies

Other factors in the environment can cause you to have allergies. These are called aeroallergens and may include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander

If you live in Texas, January is peak time for mountain cedar pollen which causes “cedar fever” – a severe allergic reaction to the cedar pollen in the air.

Many of these allergens can cause similar reactions with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes, which is why it’s so important to be tested. That way, you can know how to avoid an allergic reaction.

What to expect from allergy testing

At Apex Allergy and Asthma, Dr. Stahl and our team use two kinds of testing: scratch tests and patch tests. 

During a scratch test, a small amount of allergens are placed on a scratched part of your skin. If any of the areas become red, swollen, and itchy, it means that you’re allergic to that substance. The most advanced skin testing devices are used, which minimizes pain and discomfort yet provide the best results. 

During a patch test, patches covered in different allergens – typically chemical irritants/allergens – are placed on your skin. After 48 hours, if any of the patches have made your skin irritated, you’re allergic to that particular allergen.

Depending on what you’re allergic to, Dr. Stahl will recommend treatments like lifestyle changes, avoidance measures, medication, and for the most beneficial results we offer immunotherapy (often called allergy shots).

To find out more about how allergy testing can help with your allergies, call our office located in San Antonio, Texas, at 210-239-0302 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment with us today.