Have you noticed that every time you’re around a certain type of animal, all you do is sneeze? Does it seem like if you spend a lot of time outside you come back inside with red, itching, watering eyes? If so, then you may be suffering from some type of allergy. But because you are exposed to so many different types of pollen and allergens every day, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that you’re allergic to. Even though we offer several different ways to help detect what you’re allergic to, let’s focus on allergy blood testing.
What Is an Allergy Blood Test?
When you come into contact with something that you’re allergic to, your body makes antibodies against it. These antibodies then tell the cells in your body to release chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. During an IgE blood test, we measure the amount of immunoglobulin E, an allergy-specific antibody, in your blood.
What Can Allergy Blood Testing Be Used For?
On average, we like to use IgE tests to help diagnose patients with food allergies. However, it can also be used to check for allergy triggers to common allergens like trees, grasses, molds, dust, pet dander, and weeds.
Why Allergy Blood Testing?
Traditionally, we prefer to use skin testing rather than blood testing. However, allergy blood testing is a good solution for infants, children, individuals with skin conditions, and patients who have other health issues. During your initial consultation with our staff at Allergy and ENT Associates, we will help determine what method of testing is best for you and your current health condition.
If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired because of your allergies, then it’s time to get tested. To learn more about allergy testing, schedule a consultation at our Baytown office and call us at (713) MY-SINUS.