Allergy Testing Specialist
Macomb Medical Clinic
Family Medicine Clinic located in Sterling Heights, MI
Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In Sterling Heights, Michigan, the collaborative close-knit health specialists of Macomb Medical Clinic are highly knowledgeable about allergies and allergy triggers. The team provides various allergy testing and treatment methods to alleviate your symptoms and give you relief. Call the office or book here on the web.
Allergy Testing
What are the different types of allergies?
Different types of allergies can impact your body in different ways.
Skin allergies
Skin allergies can occur when you come into contact with new soaps or laundry detergent, latex, or other allergens that touch your skin directly.
You can also develop an allergic skin reaction from contact with insect stings or bites, metals, poisonous plants, and the sun.
Food allergies
You can have an allergy to a type of food, such as nuts, shellfish, wheat, fish, and dairy.
Respiratory allergies
The most common respiratory allergies are seasonal allergies, such as a pollen or hay fever allergy.
Drug allergies
It can be difficult to determine if a medication will cause an allergic reaction. One of the most common drug allergies is Penicillin — an antibiotic often prescribed to help fight infection.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
When you come into contact with an allergen, you might have a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth
- Watery, red, or swollen eyes
- A rash or hives
- Face swelling
- Anaphylaxis
You might also have a tingling feeling in the mouth.
What are the most common allergy triggers?
Some of the most common allergy triggers are:
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Cockroaches
- Food allergies
- Latex
- Insect sting
- Medications
- Food additives
Allergies can lead to snoring and sleep apnea and interfere with your breathing.
What types of allergy testing are available?
Allergy testing identifies the allergens that are causing your reactions. Convenient in-office allergy testing and services are available including blood testing, medications, skin testing, and a food elimination test.
The team at Macomb Medical Clinic might also recommend asthma and breathing tests and pulmonary function tests to assess how well your lungs and respiratory system are functioning.
Skin testing
There are two methods of skin testing. With the pricking method, your provider applies an extract of allergens to your skin and lightly pricks your skin to enable a gentle exposure to the allergen.
With intradermal skin testing, your provider injects a minor amount of the allergen into your outer skin layer to prompt a reaction that can be safely evaluated and monitored.
Blood test
A blood test can measure antibodies in your blood.
Food elimination test
A food elimination test involves you eliminating certain foods from your diet and keeping a food diary. You detail your reactions and symptoms during a certain time period after your consumption of the specific foods.
Your Macomb Medical Clinic team can also provide helpful medications to combat your allergies. Medications are typically focused on reducing inflammation, preventing allergic reactions, and blocking histamine receptors.
Don’t let allergy symptoms hamper daily life, schedule online or call Macomb Medical Clinic today.