Do you get itchy from time to time? Maybe you often find yourself sneezing or dealing with runny eyes. Chances are, you have allergies. Some people just accept they're allergic to something and they move on. But this is not the smartest approach. If you suspect you have allergies, it's a really good idea to have allergy testing done to determine what you are allergic to. Here's why allergy testing is so important.
1. If you know what you're allergic to, you know what to avoid.
If you are not sure what you are allergic to, then you are always going to deal with symptoms when you encounter the unknown allergen. On the other hand, if you know what you are allergic to, you can take steps to avoid that allergen so you don't have to deal with the annoying symptoms.
For instance, if you find out you are allergic specifically to grass pollen, then you know to have someone else cut the lawn, and to take off any grass-covered shoes before you go indoors. If you find out you're allergic to cottonwood trees, then you can have the one in your backyard removed to decrease your symptoms.
2. Allergy symptoms can get worse.
You might assume that since your symptoms are not that bad, you don't need to really worry about diagnosis and treatment. The problem with this line of reasoning is that allergies can get worse at any time. Right now, exposure to the allergen might just make your eyes a little red. A few years from now, it may cause an anaphylactic reaction. It's smart to figure out what you're allergic to so you can act accordingly and know what items to get away from if you ever do have a big reaction.
3. Testing can help your doctor determine the best treatments.
Some allergy medications work better for certain allergens than for others. For example, one medication may work better for pollen allergies, whereas another works best for mold allergies. Knowing what you are allergic to allows you to avoid a lot of trial and error with medications and increases your chances of finding a medication that really works well.
Allergy testing is definitely worthwhile. A comprehensive test won't take long in your allergist's office, and it can make for smoother sailing in the years that follow. For more information, contact medical centers that provide allergy testing.