What to Expect During an Allergy Consultation

If seasonal allergies, reoccurring cold symptoms or an undesirable reaction to an allergen have you concerned and seeking relief, an allergy consultation is the first step you should take. When you have an allergic reaction, it is important to identify the cause so that you can avoid the allergen or begin medication that will relieve symptoms. This can often be accomplished during your allergy consultation.

When you arrive for your consultation, a detailed medical history will be taken. You will be asked questions about your concerns and the reactions you have experienced. You will also need to know the names of any medications you have previously tried for relief.

The most common allergen test is the skin prick test. This test involves placing a small amount of the allergen into the skin. This process is not painful, and results can typically be read fifteen minutes after the test is administered. If your skin prick test is positive for an allergy, the area of the needle prick will be itchy and a red bump will appear.

Common that are tested in a skin prick test can include:

• Nuts
• Shellfish or fish
• Fruits
• Wheat
• Yeast
• Tree pollen
• Pets
• Dust mites
• Fungal spores
• Bees and wasp venom

After determining the cause of your allergies, a detailed treatment plan will be developed.