Allergy Testing

Allergy testing provides a quick and minimally invasive way to screen for environmental and food allergies. At the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in St. Charles, Illinois, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists Priya Bansal, MD, and Haley Young, PA, offer allergy testing to people of all ages. The process is convenient and pain-free. Call the office to schedule an allergy testing consultation, or request an appointment online today.

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing screens to see if your immune system overreacts to certain substances (allergens). 

If your immune system identifies a harmless substance, like pollen or pet hair, as a dangerous invader, it triggers the production of antibodies –– proteins that cause inflammation. 

In-office allergy testing can identify what triggers your symptoms and determine the best type of treatment.

Who can benefit from allergy testing?

Make an appointment at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center for allergy testing if you regularly experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Skin symptoms, such as hives or welts
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or vomiting

It’s important to undergo testing even if your symptoms are mild. Intervention and treatment can reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

What are the types of allergy testing?

The Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center offers several types of allergy testing, including:

Blood tests

Allergy blood tests assess the number of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in a blood sample. The higher your IgE levels, the more likely you are to have a specific allergy.

Skin prick (scratch) tests

This test exposes an area of your skin to between 10-50 allergens. If your skin turns red or becomes irritated after exposure, it means you’re allergic to a specific substance. Your provider uses pain control testing tips to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.

Intradermal skin tests

During an intradermal skin test, your provider injects a small amount of a specific allergen into the outermost layer of your skin. If you’re allergic to the substance, a hive or welt forms.

Challenge tests

Challenge tests screen for food or drug allergies. During the test, you consume a small amount of food or medicine, and your provider monitors you to see if you have an allergic reaction. 

Patch tests

A patch test screens for contact dermatitis. Your provider applies an allergic substance to the bottom of a bandage and attaches it to your skin. You wear the bandage for several days and return for a follow-up visit. Your provider then removes the patch to see your skin’s reaction.

What types of allergies can allergy testing confirm?

The Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center use allergy testing to screen for various allergies, including:

• Hay fever
• Food allergies
• Contact allergens
• Insect sting allergies
• Drug allergies
• Atopic dermatitis

Allergy screening is safe for children, teens, and adults. To ensure a comfortable experience, the specialists offer multitest devices for children.

Call the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center to learn more about allergy testing, or request an appointment online today.