WHAT IS AN ALLERGY TEST?
Allergies are the way in which your immune system responds to an outside substance or allergen. When a foreign substance is detected, antibodies trigger the release of chemicals, like histamine. This may lead to some form of an allergic reaction, such as itching, a rash, swelling, or other effects. While a number of allergy symptoms are mild, others can be chronic, severe, or even life-threatening. Our skilled Allergies Doctor Schaumburg IL team at Horizon Medical Center routinely perform allergy testing at our Schaumburg, IL family medicine practice. In general, allergy tests are performed either as a skin (scratch) test or a blood test and can help our doctors identify substances that may be causing allergy symptoms. Contact our office today to learn more about the types of allergy tests we offer.
HOW IS ALLERGY TESTING DONE?
Knowing what causes allergy symptoms in your body can help you avoid certain triggers, improve your comfort, and reduce the risk of anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions. An Allergies Doctor Schaumburg IL will perform allergy tests to identify food allergies, hayfever, and allergies to medications, pets, mold, dust, mites, latex, insects, and other factors. If a scratch (skin test) is recommended, our team will introduce a small amount of various allergens under the skin and observe the reaction over a period of time. Blood tests allow us to evaluate the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood, which could indicate an allergy when present in higher amounts. Our Schaumburg, IL physicians will review your allergy test results and may recommend medications, allergy shots, or other treatment options to protect your health.
GET HELP FOR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Whether minor or life-threatening, allergies can interfere with your comfort and quality of life. Get the experienced allergy testing and care you need from the compassionate team at Horizon Medical Center. Call our Schaumburg, IL office to learn more about the insurances we accept, schedule an appointment for allergy testing, and find relief from allergy symptoms.