Allergy Testing Services
Allergies can make you feel as terrible as any illness. Our allergy testing service at our Scottsdale clinic helps us pinpoint what your body is reacting to so we can develop a plan to help you feel better.
We can test for the following types of allergies:
When is it time to schedule an allergy test?
Allergy tests can sometimes be costly, and we understand that doctor visits aren’t always convenient. That’s why we start by reviewing your medical history, symptom timing, and seasonal patterns to help determine when you’re most affected.
For example, if you tend to experience sinus infections or fatigue every October, it may suggest environmental allergens like ragweed or grass pollen. Springtime symptoms could point to other triggers, such as Arizona cypress, mesquite, or elm trees. While these patterns can provide helpful clues, formal allergy testing is the most reliable way to confirm what’s causing your symptoms.
Some patients find it helpful to start over-the-counter treatments like antihistamines or nasal rinses before peak allergy seasons. Always speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a new treatment plan, especially if you’re considering adding a steroid nasal spray.
If symptoms persist despite these measures, it may be time to consider allergy testing. Pinpointing your specific allergens — whether environmental, food-based, or animal-related — allows us to tailor your treatment plan and reduce the overall burden on your immune system.
How do allergy tests work?
During an allergy test, we will prick or lightly scratch your back or forearm with a single drop of suspected allergens. If you’re allergic to something, in particular, we will see redness or swelling at the site of that scratch or prick. The result looks and feels like a mosquito bite. Often, this method lets us find allergies you never even suspected you had.
When administered under the care of allergy specialists like the team here at the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center, this is an extremely low-risk test. While it may sound like a painful procedure, most of our patients report they feel very little during the test itself, save for the “mosquito bite” sensation they may receive when the test results are positive.
In some cases, we may call for a blood test. We usually do this if one of your prescriptions would interfere with the results of a skin test. We also do this for patients who suffer from severe skin conditions like eczema.
How do the results of an allergy test help improve the quality of life?
Knowing the exact allergies you’re struggling with offers options for managing them.
If these are airborne substances like dust or mold, we can recommend air filters, air purifiers, and other products that can make your home more comfortable and reduce the amount of time you spend dealing with allergic reactions.
Once we know which allergens are causing your symptoms, we will be able to prescribe a customized medication plan to help you manage allergic responses.
Why not just use a home allergy test or one my chiropractor will do?
Home allergy tests and tests offered by grocery stores, pharmacies, and non-certified “allergy doctors” are not always accurate. Inaccurate results — especially false negatives — can give a false sense of safety and potentially delay appropriate medical treatment. Remember, with severe allergies there’s always a chance of going into anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening if not caught and treated immediately.
False positives can cause you to give up trigger substances you don’t need to give up. This can lead to frustration, unnecessary spending, and most of all a series of lifestyle changes that will not solve your respiratory problems, headaches, pain, or sinus issues.
A professional allergy test is a quick in-office procedure, and many insurance plans offer coverage — check with your provider to confirm your benefits.
If you’re tired of living with sinus headaches, sinus infections, congestion, hives, or other signs of allergies, then don’t hesitate to call Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center of North Scottsdale to schedule your allergy test today. Our skilled team of allergists are devoted to providing you with outstanding sinus, allergy, sleep, and sleep disturbance solutions.
Click here to schedule an appointment with our allergy specialists or call our office at 480-525-8999 to learn more. We look forward to helping you improve your quality of life!
You don’t have to suffer through allergy symptoms. Convenient allergy testing and personalized treatment options are available for patients in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, and surrounding areas at our North Scottsdale office.
