Allergy Testing Specialist

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc.

Allergy Specialists located in West Covina, CA & Pasadena, CA

When you have an ongoing chronic cough, itchy eyes, or a skin rash, you want to know what’s causing your symptoms. At Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., in Pasadena and West Covina, California, Claire Smigiel, MD, Erica Chen, MD, and the team understand how you feel. That’s why they offer comprehensive allergy testing for a wide range of allergens. To schedule an appointment for your allergy test, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

Allergy Testing Q & A

What are allergies?

Your immune system protects you from harmful substances, such as germs and toxins. With allergies, your immune system reacts to a substance (allergen) that’s not typically harmful.

You can develop allergies at any time to almost anything. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, food, and medications. You can also develop allergies to various chemicals and dyes found in household products.

When you contact the allergen, your immune system triggers a reaction that causes your allergy symptoms.

Who needs allergy testing?

Anyone with allergy-like symptoms can benefit from allergy testing. Common allergy symptoms include:

Chronic cough
Nasal congestion
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes
Scratchy throat
Hives
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting after eating
Shortness of breath
Severe reaction from an insect bite (swelling, redness)

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., are experts at identifying allergies, and they offer comprehensive allergy testing not available at most allergy practices.

What types of allergens can allergy testing identify?

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., offers comprehensive allergy testing that looks for a wide range of potential allergens. During your allergy test, they may test for:

Chemicals, dyes, materials, and metals
Pollen, mold
Animals
Food
Venom
Medications

Knowing the underlying cause of your allergy symptoms is one of the key steps in taking control of your allergies and feeling better.

What are types of allergy testing?

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., may use several allergy testing tools to find the root cause of your symptoms. Types of allergy testing include:

Allergy skin prick testing

The skin prick is the most common allergy testing tool. During the test, your allergist pricks or scratches your skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen. They may test multiple allergens at one time.

The allergist monitors your skin and looks for swelling and redness at the site of the skin prick, which indicates an allergy. Results take about 15 minutes.

Allergy patch testing

Allergy patch testing looks for a delayed allergic reaction. During the allergy patch test, your allergist applies patches with the suspected allergen to your arms or back. You wear the patches for 48 hours and then return to the office.

Your allergist removes the patches and examines your skin, looking for areas of irritation that may indicate an allergy.

Challenge tests

Your allergist may recommend a challenge test if they suspect you have a food or drug allergy. During the challenge test, you eat or inhale a small amount of the suspected allergen under the allergist’s close supervision.

To schedule your allergy testing appointment, call Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., or book an appointment online today.