Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance called allergens that enters the body. The symptoms of this disease may vary depending on the type of allergen involved. Some of them include sneezing, itchy nose, anaphylaxis, fatigue, itch, etc. Identifying the actual cause may not be that straightforward, and you need to book an appointment with the doctor for an allergy test in Siliguri for diagnosis.
Allergic testing helps identify allergens, such as mould, pet dander, bee stings, and peanuts, that can cause allergies. You should discuss your medical history and current medications you are using with your doctor. Preparing for an allergic test is one of the major steps you need to take to ensure an accurate result and smooth experience.
Understanding types of allergy tests:
There are different ways to test for allergies. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor will diagnose this disease by using one or more of the following tests which include;
Skin prick test:
One of the most common types of allergy tests is the skin prick test. During this procedure, the doctor uses a thin needle to prick the skin, or they’ll scratch it with a sterile device to lightly puncture it. Then, they will expose 10 to 50 potential allergens, depending on which ones they suspect, to see what you might have a reaction to. The reaction, such as redness, may occur within 15 minutes of exposure.
Patch test:
When the cause of your allergy is through contact dermatitis, this test is performed. During this process, the doctor places a few drops of allergen on the skin and covers it with a bandage for 2-4 days. When you return to the clinic, the doctor removes the bandage to check for rash or other reactions.
Blood test:
During this procedure, the doctor will take a sample of your blood, mix it with potential allergens and send it to the lab. At the lab, the level of antibodies, which are produced during an allergic reaction, is measured.
Oral challenge test:
It is strictly recommended that this test should be done in the clinic under a doctor’s supervision. During this procedure, you need to eat a small amount of suspected allergen to check for allergic reactions. So, these are some of the allergic tests that are done at the best allergy clinic in Siliguri.
Some tips on how to prepare for an allergy test:
Consult with your doctor:
This is probably one of the best ways to prepare for allergy tests and to ensure an accurate result. You need to inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a history of severe allergic reactions. This helps the doctor to determine whether an allergy test is necessary and which type of test is most suitable. The doctor will explain what you can expect during the test, which helps to reduce your anxiety level.
Avoid certain medications:
The most important part while preparing for allergic testing is avoiding certain medications for at least 3-7 days. This is because some of the medications can suppress allergic reactions, which leads to false results. You can also consult with your doctor for guidance on stopping or adjusting medications before testing. By discontinuing medications, the immune system can respond naturally to the allergens, ensuring a proper diagnosis and effective allergy management.
Don’t use skincare products:
Many skincare products, such as lotions, creams, perfumes, etc, contain chemicals and fragrances which can block or dilute the allergen from reaching your skin. They can also cause irritation or mild inflammation, which may make the skin more sensitive before testing. This can increase the risk of discomfort and also show fake results.
Wear comfortable clothing:
You need to wear comfortable clothing before the allergy test. This is because the testing will involve needle pricks, skin rubs, and other contact with your skin, particularly in your upper arm. So, you need to wear loose clothing that makes it easy to expose your arms for testing.
Protect the skin from sunburn:
Your allergy test may involve a skin test, so you need to ensure that your skin is covered properly to prevent sunburn. This is because sunburn can make an allergy skin test uncomfortable and make it difficult to read the results.
Conclusion:
Preparing for an allergy test is essential as it ensures an accurate result. Whether you are undergoing a prick test, patch test, or blood test, being well-prepared before the test helps you to minimize discomfort. For testing, you need to visit an allergist for an allergy test in Siliguri. To prepare for an allergy test, you need to avoid using skincare products and wear well comfortable clothing. You can also consult with the doctor for guidance on medical adjustments before testing.
