Allergies are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone irrespective of age, gender, or race. Some allergic reactions are mild and may not necessarily require medical attention, but cases like anaphylaxis may require immediate medical care. If interested in getting allergy testing in Fort Worth, Clover Internal Medicine should be your ultimate choice.

What are allergies?

Allergies refer to the aggressive or unpleasant reaction of your immune system to a specific food or foreign substances that rarely cause any allergy in other people. This reaction can make breathing difficult or even cause inflammation on your skin. The intensity of allergies can vary from minor irritation to a life-threatening allergic reaction, medically referred to as anaphylaxis. Allergy symptoms also vary depending on the type of allergen. Hay fever causes:

• Swollen, red, or watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Itching sensation in your eyes, mouth palate, or nose
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose

Food allergies cause:

• Hives
• Tingling sensation in your mouth
• Anaphylaxis
• Swelling of your face, throat, tongue, or lips

Insect stings cause:

• Swelling at the sting site (edema)
• Anaphylaxis
• Itching
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness

What foreign substances often cause allergic reactions?

Anyone can experience allergic reactions, and they can occur due to anything that your body finds harmful. But, specific allergens are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. They include:

• Insect bites
• Pollen
• Mold, pet dander, or dust
• Food substances like seafood, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts

The professional team at Clover Internal Medicine offers holistic and excellent medical care for allergic reactions. The skilled team conducts a comprehensive medical exam to determine the root cause of your allergy before suggesting appropriate treatment. If you experience any of the above allergy symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

How can you test for allergies?

An allergy test is a diagnostic medical exam performed to determine the allergen causing your allergic reaction. The specialists at Clover Internal Medicine may also review your medical history to determine if you’re allergic to certain foods or touching particular substances. There are two types of allergy tests, including:

• Skin allergy testing

Skin allergy test is safe and effective for both children and adults. Although skin tests are rarely recommendable, your provider may request them if you’re under medications that may interfere with the test results or have severe allergic reactions. During the procedure, the doctor exposes your skin to several allergens and observes for any allergic reactions. If you experience any allergy symptoms, then it is likely that you’re allergic to that particular allergen.

• Blood testing

Blood tests are recommendable for patients who shouldn’t undergo a skin allergy test. Blood tests identify specific antibodies that may indicate the allergen.

What should you expect after an allergy test?

After determining the root cause of your allergy, the team creates a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. Allergies can result in symptoms that may put your life in jeopardy or make life unbearable. For more information about allergy treatments, contact Clover Internal Medicine today.

Joyce Laroche