Suffering from allergy symptoms but not knowing exactly what is causing them can be frustrating. From constant sneezing to redness and itching, people who don’t know the source of their allergies may suffer from symptoms for a lifetime.
Luckily, Dr. Philip Rabito is ready to provide accurate and easy allergy testing to patients in Manhattan and the greater New York area. With a focus on wellness and disease prevention, Dr. Rabito draws from many years of experience to help patients feel their best. If you want to put an end to your allergy symptoms and find out what’s causing them, schedule an allergy test today.
What Is Allergy Testing?
An allergy test can involve either skin pricking or scratching to help identify allergens that can cause allergic reactions and symptoms in patients. Common allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, and different foods can be identified through allergy testing. Through the use of a tiny needle, these tests are typically pain-free.
What Can Allergy Tests Show?
Allergy tests can provide information about which potential allergens cause an allergic reaction in your body. These tests can typically identify up to 50 substances. They can also help to diagnose conditions related to allergies, such as:
- Hay fever
- Allergic asthma
- Dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Insect allergies
- Animal allergies
- Penicillin allergies
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies or an Allergic Reaction?
People who suffer from allergic symptoms or reactions to an allergen can experience the following:
- Full body itching
- Itching in one area of the body
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling
- Red or itchy eyes
- Sneezing of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, and throat
- Coughing
How Can I Prepare for an Allergy Test?
Preparing for your allergy test can ensure a complication-free process and accurate results from your testing. Before arriving at your appointment, we recommend you do the following:
- Avoid all anti-histamine medications at least one week before your test.
- Avoid wearing strong colognes or perfumes to your allergy test. Showering and wearing deodorant are acceptable.
- Stick to your regular diet. There is no need to fast before your test. However, if you suspect you may have a food allergy, avoid eating that food prior to testing.
Are There Any Side Effects to Allergy Testing?
Common side effects of allergy tests are itching, a stuffy nose, watery eyes, or a rash if you are allergic to an allergen that was tested. More severe risks that may occur are fever, lightheadedness, and trouble breathing if an allergic reaction occurs. However, Dr. Rabito prioritizes patient safety during each test, and you can expect to manage your side effects and symptoms under his care easily.
What Are the Benefits of Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing provides accurate information that can help Dr. Rabito identify exactly what causes you to experience allergic symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan to prevent symptoms in the future. Knowing the information provided by an allergy test can also help patients manage their symptoms and avoid their allergens at home, eliminating constant sneezing, coughing, or irritated eyes and improving their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if I Should Get Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing may be helpful if you experience recurring symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, swelling, or unexplained itching. Testing can help identify whether common allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, or certain foods may be triggering your symptoms.
How Long Does Allergy Testing Take?
The exact length of your appointment can vary depending on how many allergens are being evaluated and the type of testing performed. Dr. Rabito can explain what to expect based on the testing recommended for you.
How Soon Will I Get My Allergy Test Results?
Skin prick or scratch testing allows your provider to observe whether your skin reacts to the allergens being tested during the testing process. Dr. Rabito can review the findings with you and explain what they may mean for managing your symptoms.
What Happens if My Allergy Test Is Positive?
A positive result can help identify substances that may be contributing to your allergy symptoms. Dr. Rabito can use this information to develop a personalized plan to manage your allergies and reduce exposure to identified triggers.
Can I Be Tested for Multiple Allergies at the Same Appointment?
Yes. Allergy testing can evaluate your reaction to multiple potential allergens, including pollen, mold, pet dander, and certain foods. Testing may include up to 50 substances, depending on what needs to be evaluated.
What if My Allergy Test Is Negative but I Still Have Symptoms?
If testing does not identify an allergen, Dr. Rabito can consider your symptoms and results when determining the next steps. Persistent symptoms may require further evaluation to understand the cause better.
Can Allergies Develop Later in Life?
The information provided does not specifically address whether allergies can first develop later in life, so I would confirm Dr. Rabito's guidance before adding a definitive patient-facing answer to this FAQ.
What Should I Expect During a Skin Allergy Test?
During skin allergy testing, a tiny needle pricks or scratches the skin to expose it to selected allergens. The area is then observed for a reaction that may indicate an allergy. The testing is typically described as pain-free, although itching or a small rash can occur if you react to one of the substances tested.
Schedule Your Allergy Test with Dr. Rabito Today
To schedule an allergy test with Dr. Rabito, click here or call 877-703-3775. With a convenient location in Brooklyn, we proudly serve patients in New York and its surrounding areas. Contact us to put a stop to your allergy symptoms today!
