Besides a thorough medical history, the doctor will perform a number of
skin tests and/or a blood test called Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST).
There are three skin tests used to evaluate and diagnose allergies, the
prick method, the intramural test and the patch test:
The prick method is the most common type of skin test. This test is done by placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin on the back and passing a needle through the extract and making a tiny puncture in the skin. If allergic to the allergen a hive will appear at the site of the puncture within about 15 minutes. The doctor can perform multiple prick tests with varying allergen extracts simultaneously.
If the patient is allergic, the skin will become red and peel. When skin testing is not feasible, as in the case of people
with eczema and other skin conditions, RAST (blood test) is used. Diagnostic tests can be done by using a blood sample
from a patient to detect the levels of IgE antibody to a particular allergen.
Treatment
Wear a pollen mask when mowing the grass or housecleaning.
windows and doors closed during heavy pollination
Wash sheets, mattress pad and blankets weekly in hot water {at least 13°F).
Remove carpets and upholstered furniture (drastic measure).
Medication
When avoidance or control of an allergen isnt possible, medications may be necessary. Common allergy medications are:
Decongestants: administered via spray or orally to unclog nasal passages. Examples of spray decongestants are oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Vicks Sinex). Other medications or brands may be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and combinations of decongestants and analgesics.
Steroid nasal sprays: administered via spray to mute the inflammatory response. Medications include fluticonase (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasocort), and beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase).
Antihistamines: drugs that block the action of histamine, which is responsible for allergic symptoms.
Short-acting antihistamines, which are generally over-the-counter (non-prescription), often relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. A pediatrician should be consulted before using these medicines in children, as they may affect learning.
Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness, can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These medications, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Cromoglycate (Nalcrom)or related agents: administered mostly as eyedrops or nasal sprays to help prevent attacks
The prick method is the most common type of skin test. This test is done by placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin on the back and passing a needle through the extract and making a tiny puncture in the skin. If allergic to the allergen a hive will appear at the site of the puncture within about 15 minutes. The doctor can perform multiple prick tests with varying allergen extracts simultaneously.
If the patient is allergic, the skin will become red and peel. When skin testing is not feasible, as in the case of people
with eczema and other skin conditions, RAST (blood test) is used. Diagnostic tests can be done by using a blood sample
from a patient to detect the levels of IgE antibody to a particular allergen.
Treatment
Wear a pollen mask when mowing the grass or housecleaning.
windows and doors closed during heavy pollination
Wash sheets, mattress pad and blankets weekly in hot water {at least 13°F).
Remove carpets and upholstered furniture (drastic measure).
Medication
When avoidance or control of an allergen isnt possible, medications may be necessary. Common allergy medications are:
Decongestants: administered via spray or orally to unclog nasal passages. Examples of spray decongestants are oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Vicks Sinex). Other medications or brands may be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and combinations of decongestants and analgesics.
Steroid nasal sprays: administered via spray to mute the inflammatory response. Medications include fluticonase (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasocort), and beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase).
Antihistamines: drugs that block the action of histamine, which is responsible for allergic symptoms.
Short-acting antihistamines, which are generally over-the-counter (non-prescription), often relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. A pediatrician should be consulted before using these medicines in children, as they may affect learning.
Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness, can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These medications, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Cromoglycate (Nalcrom)or related agents: administered mostly as eyedrops or nasal sprays to help prevent attacks
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