Allergies Diagnosis

Allergies are diagnosed in a number of ways. In some cases, a doctor may identify an allergy simply based on your recent history-for example, you always sneeze when the pollen count is high, or you always get a rash after eating a certain food. In other... Full Answer

Start with your primary care provider. They may refer you to an allergy specialist and/or a registered dietitian to help you navigate the food world and avoid the items to which you are allergic. Full Answer

It's important to pinpoint exactly what's sparking your allergy symptoms in the first place. Even if you think you know, it's good to check again down the road because allergies to new substances can develop. Allergy testing from a... Full Answer

To determine exactly what is at the root of your allergic reaction(s), your doctor or health care provider will want to do some tests. This is a basic list. There are some additional tests that better identify food sensitivities. Any of these... Full Answer

If you are newly diagnosed with, or have been living with, allergies, chances are you may have some questions, and may be experiencing some strong emotions such as fear, anger, and confusion. The same can be said if you are newly diagnosed with... Full Answer

To diagnose your seasonal allergies, including whether -- and which -- allergens may be causing your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests: Skin Prick or Puncture Test -- A skin prick test is a simple allergy... Full Answer

Your allergist may perform a skin prick test to discover what you are allergic to. The allergist will have solutions of common allergens. During the test, a small drop of each allergen solution is placed on your arm. Then your skin is pricked in order to... Full Answer

A RAST (radioallergosorbent) blood test looks for specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. If the antibodies are present, it most likely indicates a true allergic reaction. RAST is the safest type of allergy test, but compared... Full Answer

RAST stands for radioallergosorbent test. This is a blood test used to diagnose allergies. Your blood is drawn and a lab will analyze your blood sample for the level of antibodies that cause allergies. The results will tell what you are allergic to. Full Answer

Science shows us that skin tests and blood tests for allergies don't really measure the same things. The antibodies that register in a blood test have a half-life of two days. They come and go without putting your immune system on a state of red... Full Answer