Normally around this time with the flowers blooming and sun shining we can expect our allergies to start acting up but of course to add on to everything we've been through this past year, when things are just starting to go back to "normal" the Texas weather likes to keep us on our toes and decided to bring on this unusual amount of rain making our allergies even worse.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, grass and weed pollen is higher when it rains. When raindrops hit the ground and break up clumps of pollen into smaller particles, those particles quickly spread out. This then leads to a sudden increase in allergy and allergic asthma symptoms during rain showers. This occurs frequently during heavy downpours.
Allergies affect more than 50 million people living in the USA, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Inhaled allergens are by far the most common type but seasonal allergies and hay fever, which is an allergic response to pollen, affect more than 40 million Americans.
So stay on top of your health and beat your allergies this season by taking preventative measures, allergy testing can determine which particular pollens, molds, or other substances you’re allergic to. Getting allergy testing done allows you anticipate your allergy season, develop a plan and get treatment if necessary. When getting your test done make sure you're doing it right. Allergy tests, without a doctor’s exam are usually not reliable, many places offer free screenings or sell at home kits to test but the results of these tests may be misleading. Getting a test done a your doctor's office can save you time and money as well as providing the most accurate results.
The Scratch Tests
A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate allergic reactions to as many as 50 different substances at once. This test is usually done to identify allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm. Children may be tested on the upper back.
Allergy skin tests aren't painful. This type of testing uses needles (lancets) that barely penetrate the skin's surface. You won't bleed or feel more than mild, momentary discomfort.
Blood Tests
Blood testing for allergies called ELISA studies are the second line method for testing for allergies. It is typically reserved for people who for some medical reason cannot have the scratch test
Don't let this years allergies hold you back. Find your solution today.