{"id":211,"date":"2022-01-06T21:52:48","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glacierentclinic.fm1.dev\/allergist\/allergy-testing\/"},"modified":"2022-02-11T12:25:49","modified_gmt":"2022-02-11T19:25:49","slug":"allergy-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/glacierentclinic.com\/allergist\/allergy-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Is a Skin Prick Test? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing. This test involves placing a small drop of an allergen extract on your skin. A needle is then used to prick the skin underneath the drop; this allows for a small amount of solution to enter just below the surface of the skin. After 15 minutes, any swelling or redness is measured and, depending on the size, is considered a positive reaction. An intradermal skin test is completed next. An intradermal wheal, or bleb, is injected directly under the top layer of skin. After 15 minutes any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Is a Patch Test?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A patch test is more often used to identify allergens that cause skin rashes. Patch tests typically take several days to process and function differently. \"\n    }\n}, {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is Immunotherapy?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Do Allergy Shots Work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body\u2019s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years. \"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Pulmonary Function Tests?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Pulmonary function tests are used to determine how well your lungs are working. They are typically completed in addition to allergy tests. The three main tests are spirometry, plethysmography and diffusion capacity. \"\n }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The Allergy Program at Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat, has been providing comprehensive specialty care throughout the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas since 1993.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Allergy program is under the direction of Dr. David Healy Jr. M.D., who is Fellowship trained in Allergy. Our goal is to provide medical care using evidence-based medicine, education, and patient-centered care to give people control of their health. Rest assured that you are receiving the finest quality medical care from professionals who have only your best interests in mind. Our efficient, knowledgeable, and kind staff will help you feel relaxed as we work together to improve your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to treat <a href=\"https:\/\/glacierentclinic.com\/allergist\/allergy-symptoms\/\">your allergy symptoms<\/a> is to schedule allergy testing to determine their exact cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"allergy-skin-testing\">Allergy Skin Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to begin immunotherapy (allergy shot therapy), the patient must be tested to determine their specific sensitivities of allergies. There are many methods used to test allergies. The Allergy Program at Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic uses Skin Endpoint Titration to determine allergies. This method is advantageous over other methods, as it identifies and quantifies (demonstrates the severity of) allergies. Once our physicians know how severe a patient\u2019s allergies are, the patient can be treated with allergy shots in a safe, progressive, and tolerable manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skin-prick-testing\">Skin Prick Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Skin tests are the preferred allergy test because they are safe, affordable and they provide accurate results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-a-skin-test-procedure-work\">How Does a Skin Test Procedure Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In prick testing, several drops of a solution containing the suspected allergen are placed on the surface of the skin. A needle is used to prick or scratch the skin where the drops are placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/glacierentclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Allergy-Sinus-Testing-1536x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Doctor with gloves on using dropper to run an allergy test on patient's forearm\" class=\"wp-image-563\" title=\"Skin prick allergy test\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If your body is allergic to this substance, the immune system will respond. The result is swelling and redness on the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-fast-are-the-results-of-a-skin-prick-test\">How Fast Are the Results of a Skin Prick Test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This allergy testing procedure is performed in-office and should take no longer than 20 to 40 minutes. Skin prick test results are available before you leave the doctor\u2019s office because skin prick tests are visual. With a prick test, an <a href=\"https:\/\/glacierentclinic.com\/allergist\/\">allergist<\/a> can tell whether you are allergic to an allergen based on how your body responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prick testing is safe and reliable. This test may cause minor discomfort, swelling or itching. It is most often used to test for allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skin-prick-test-vs-patch-test\">Skin Prick Test vs. Patch Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A patch test is more often used to identify allergens that cause skin rashes. Patch tests typically take several days to process and function differently. Where a skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of an allergen into the skin, a patch test holds a liquid containing the allergen on top of the skin using a specialized patch. After 48 hours, the patient can return to the allergist, who will then mark the test sites and a third appointment may occur another 48 hours later before final results can be determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intradermal-test\">Intradermal Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An intradermal test is used when a skin prick test does not produce an allergic reaction. An intradermal wheal, or bleb, is injected directly under the top layer of skin. After 15 minutes, any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"blood-testing-for-allergies\">Blood Testing for Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A blood test measures how much of an allergen-specific antibody, called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Tools-for-the-Public\/Allergy,-Asthma-Immunology-Glossary\/Immunoglobulin-E-(IgE)-Defined\" data-type=\"URL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">immunoglobulin E<\/a> (IgE), is in your blood. The more allergen-specific IgE in your blood, the more likely you are to be allergic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes individual circumstances may indicate that a blood test (sometimes known as RAST testing) may be used to determine a patient\u2019s allergies. Blood test help us establish allergies when Skin Endpoint Titration is not indicated. Your physician will determine which test is appropriate for you during your consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blood tests are typically used to confirm the results of a skin test; they may also be used instead of skin tests if a serious allergy makes skin testing unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-is-blood-testing-preferred-over-skin-testing\">When Is Blood Testing Preferred Over Skin Testing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some medications and conditions make blood testing preferable because blood testing doesn\u2019t expose a patient to allergens. Medicines on that list include antihistamines, steroids and antidepressants. People with life-threatening allergies, skin conditions, asthma or heart conditions may all be better candidates for a blood test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pulmonary-function-tests\">Pulmonary Function Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pulmonary function tests are used to determine how well your lungs are working. They are typically completed in addition to allergy tests. The three main tests are spirometry, plethysmography and diffusion capacity. Spirometry measures the amount of air you breathe in and out by breathing into a machine. Plethysmography measures your lung volume, or the amount of gas in your lungs, by having you stand in a small booth and breathe into a mouthpiece. The diffusion capacity test evaluates how well the small air sacs within your lungs work by having you breathe in certain gases and breathing out into a machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call&nbsp;us for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat at <a href=\"tel:+14067528330\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(406) 752-8330<\/span><\/a> or Glacier Hearing Services <a href=\"tel:+14067521014\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(406) 752-1014<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Allergy Program at Glacier Ear, Nose and Throat, has been providing comprehensive specialty care throughout the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas since 1993. Our Allergy program is under the direction of Dr. David Healy Jr. M.D., who is Fellowship trained in Allergy. Our goal is to provide medical care using evidence-based medicine, education, and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":206,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=&quot;&lt;phone&gt;&quot;] | Allergy testing is the best way to identify what causes your allergies and treat them accordingly. Schedule your allergy test today. 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