Allergy Treatment/Testing Specialist

How do I know if I have an allergy, or just a cold?

While some symptoms of allergies (runny nose, watery eyes, congestion) are similar to issues you’ll have with a cold, there are some differences. With allergies, you’ll probably experience:

• Wheezing
• Itchy skin
• Nasal congestion
• Pressure in your chest
• Skin rashes
• Abdominal cramping after eating
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Severe reactions to bug bites and stings
• Anaphylactic shock: A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction

Also with a cold, you may run up a fever, signalling you actually have a bug. Fevers aren’t usually a side effect of an allergy attack.

Will I need a blood test or a skin-prick test?

Probably both. Running a blood panel can check for multiple allergens, as well as biomarkers that might present other reasons for your body’s responses. But Dr. Gadh will also likely want to conduct a skin-prick test, which tests for dozens of allergens all at once.

During the skin-prick test, Dr. Gadh will select an area of your body — often your back or forearm — to test. Next small notes will be made all over your skin showing which allergen goes where. Then tiny drops of the allergen will be applied directly to those spots. After that, Dr. Gadh will lightly puncture or scratch your skin, so the allergens penetrate. If you are indeed allergic to something, you’ll have an immediate flare-up and your allergen will be identified.

Can I ever get over allergies?

Maybe. As you get older and your body chemistry changes, it’s certainly possible to get over some allergies. You can also have the exact opposite response and develop even more allergies. Either way, you’ll have to learn to manage the allergies you have. Once you know exactly what you’re allergic to, it’ll be easier for you to avoid that allergen. But of course environmental allergens, like dust and pollen, are nearly impossible to avoid entirely. This is where medication can be beneficial.

Some patients do just fine with over-the-counter decongestants and allergy medication. Dr. Gadh can also prescribe allergy medications or corticosteroids to help you with allergy flare-ups, or administer allergy injections to minimize your symptoms.