Allergy Testing

If frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, and nasal congestion bother you and you need relief, see the allergy experts at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio and Schertz, Texas. Dr. Gomez Dinger and her team offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatments to ease your discomfort and restore your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger includes diagnostic tests that detect or rule out allergies, which contribute to negative reactions within your body when exposed to allergens.

Knowing what you’re allergic to helps your allergist determine which treatment can best diminish or eliminate bothersome — even life-threatening — symptoms. 

Which allergens can allergy testing detect?

Allergy testing can detect the following potential allergens:

• Certain foods
• Latex
• Medications (drugs)
• Mold
• Animal dander (pet allergy)
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Cedar 
• Other environmental allergens
• Cockroaches 
• Insect stings

Common food allergens include wheat, soy, milk, eggs, sesame, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. Your body may react to more than one type of allergen.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Symptoms of allergies may include one or more of the following:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion 
• Shortness of breath
• Facial or throat swelling
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes
• Hives 
• Wheezing 
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction that may cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, and even a loss of consciousness if you don’t receive immediate medical attention.

Which allergy testing is available?

Allergy testing at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger includes the following:

Blood tests
Blood tests measure the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your blood to look for evidence of possible allergens. For example, the uKnow Peanut Test is a blood test that identifies specific proteins to detect peanut allergies. 

Skin prick (scratch) testing
Skin prick allergy tests prick your skin with tiny amounts of potential allergens to look for an allergic reaction in the form of a red, raised bump (hive).

Patch testing
During a patch test, your specialist places patches containing potential allergens on your skin, where they remain for 48 hours. Your provider removes the patches to look for signs of allergic reactions on your skin, which helps determine the underlying cause of skin rashes. 

Asthma-related allergy testing
Asthma testing involves lung function tests that determine if you have difficulty breathing because of asthma, as asthma and allergies often appear together, and an allergy may cause an asthma attack.

What happens after allergy testing?

Your allergist reviews the results of your allergy test and determines which treatment may be a match for your needs. Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger offers allergy shots, inhalers, allergy drops, sublingual therapy, oral immunotherapy, rush immunotherapy, and combinations of treatments to help address your needs.

Schedule allergy testing at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger by phone or request one online today.