What Are the Reasons to Get an Allergy Test Before Spring?

A seasonal allergy (allergic rhinitis) is also referred to as hay fever. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 8 percent of Americans suffer from it. In the case of hay fever, the immune system reacts overly strongly to outdoor allergens, such as pollen. The term allergen refers to something that triggers an allergic reaction.
 
Pollen from wind-pollinated plants, such as trees, grasses, and weeds, are the most common allergens. As insect-pollinated plants are too heavy to remain airborne for long, they are less likely to cause allergies.
Hay fever occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless airborne substance as dangerous. As a result, your body releases histamines and other chemicals in response to that substance. A reaction to those chemicals produces allergic symptoms. Depending on the season, hay fever is likely to be triggered in different ways.

The bulk of most individuals’ springtime seasonal allergies are the result of trees. People with hay fever often react to the pollen of birches in northern latitudes. North American trees that are allergenic include cedar, alder, horse chestnut, willow, and poplar.

It is almost inevitable that everyone will experience allergies at some point in their lives. Most simple cases can be resolved with over-the-counter medication. When symptoms persist, such as persistent hay fever, they can be very disruptive to daily life. You may benefit from the assistance of an allergist if ongoing allergies are interfering with your enjoyment of life.

There are several conditions that allergists treat, including allergies, asthma, and immune disorders. You need to see an allergist if you are constantly taking over-the-counter medications for allergy relief. It is common for drugstore medications to be used for a short period of time, but the regular use of these medications for a long duration of time isn’t an effective way to minimize or stop allergic reactions.

Allergies are often only experienced during certain times of the year, as well as during specific situations, like being outdoors. Testing can be helpful even if you only have occasional mild symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

The most common type of allergy testing is skin testing, which your allergist will likely recommend. An allergen is applied to an area of your skin that is pricked or scratched to determine whether it causes a reaction. A reaction to an allergen will cause swelling and itching in the affected area.

Approximately one-third of the population suffers from one or more types of allergies. If you think you may be one of them, then you should take an allergy test to find out for sure.
 
The presence of allergens in the air can barely be seen by the naked eye. Among the air allergens that cause allergic rhinitis or hay fever are dust, pollen, and pet dander. The symptoms of this type of allergy may be similar to those of a cold. In addition to headaches and itchy or watery eyes, you may also experience nasal congestion and a runny nose. A sore throat, wheezing, and shortness of breath are also symptoms of this illness.
 
It may seem unnecessary to take a proper allergy test, but this procedure has many advantages. To improve quality of life and prevent serious allergic reactions, doctors recommend allergy tests to confirm the potentially harmful allergens. Allergy testing may also be a prudent idea in scenarios in which over-the-counter medication is failing to provide the necessary relief from symptoms.
 
Seasonal allergies are very common. If you are noticing symptoms at certain times of the year, testing is available to confirm them. Allergy testing is available at Primary Care Center. Let us help test and treat your allergies today! For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas.