The ins and outs of allergy testing and treatment

About 50 million Americans are victims of allergies making this disorder ranked number 6 chronic illnesses in the U.S. It could be controlled through allergy treatment done by highly trained specialists. These allergists are experts who undergo years of training. They are board-certified and understand the ins and outs of allergy testing and to oversee test sample analysis.

Symptoms of allergies
·       Allergic rhinitis
·       Conjunctivitis  
·       Chest tightness
·       Hives 
·       Swollen eyes, face, lips or tongue.

About allergy testing
Allergy testing is either done on the skin or blood test to discover what substance triggers the allergic response.  
1. Skin testing is usually done at a doctor's office with an administering nurse and a doctor interpreting the results. Typically, this test takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Some tests detect allergic reactions right away; while others take over a period of several days.
2. Allergy blood tests use tiny needles (lancets) that hardly penetrate the surface of the skin. There is no pain and no bleeding; you only experience a brief momentary of discomfort. People with extensive rashes can take the blood test as it is not affected by antihistamines.
Skin test is better choice as it is faster, and generally cost less.

Remedy for allergy
1. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms
·       Antihistamines are used to stem allergy symptoms.
·       Decongestants relieve nose stuffed up.
·       Anticholinergic nasal allergy sprays help control the runny nose that appears with allergies.
·       Steroid nasal sprays are the first treatment recommended for nasal allergies.
·       Allergy eye drops liquid medicines treat symptoms of eye allergies.
·       Leukotriene inhibitors montelukast reduces congestion in your nose, minimizes eye allergies, itching and sneezing. It reduces inflammation in your airways.
·       Mast cell inhibitors cromolyn sodium a mast cell inhibitor is used to prevent allergic symptoms as itchy eyes and runny nose.
·       Allergy Shots help your body get used to things that trigger an allergic reaction and relieve symptoms so it become less frequent.

Non-drug allergy treatment
Natural treatments work alongside with medicines. From the ancient art of acupuncture to supplements, they help you breathe easier,
1. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese procedure, has been used to treat allergy symptoms to minimize sneezing, runny nose and puffy eyes. During a session, trained practitioner gently used hair-thin needles to penetrate the skin at different parts of your body. After the first treatment, an improvement is already evident.

2. Supplements boost immune system and reduce dependence OTC medications. Here are two examples of supplements:
Quercetin is a flavonoid from apples and onions that inhibits the release of histamine, thereby dampening the allergic response.
Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, enhances quercetin’s absorption and reduces tissue swelling and helps break up mucus.

Avoiding allergy from food
One of the best things you can do to avoid food allergy is keep your body healthy to fight off infections and other dangers. A food allergy reaction happens when your immune system overreacts to a food as a danger and triggering a protective response.
Some foods liable to cause allergies are: barley, cheese, eggs, gluten, milk, soybeans, strawberry, tomatoes, wheat, yoghurt, etc.

Life free from allergies
Live a life free from allergies. Use the information on the ins and outs of allergy testing and allergy remedy to help you. Have a strong determination to live a healthy life and eating only allergy-friendly foods. This is the quality of living you deserved.