Should You Get Your Allergy Diagnosed By A Specialist?

Effective allergy treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis but unfortunately many Americans are choosing to skip this step, relying on guesswork and self-diagnosis to guide their own self-treatment. This is compounded by the many unreliable and inaccurate allergy testing kits available over the counter which can lead to a misdiagnosis. False-positives cause anxiety and unnecessary lifestyle changes while a false-negative can lead to someone not taking action when they need to, increasing their risk of a severe reaction in the future.

The only way to get a truly reliable result is to visit an allergist specialist at an asthma & allergy clinic. An expert can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a full range of options for managing your condition effectively.

 

Tests are typically done using skin or blood tests, with skin testing being the preferred method for most situations as results typically appear within 20 minutes. As the tests are done using an allergen there may be some small discomfort if a reaction occurs and there is a very small possibility of a more severe reaction – but by visiting an expert you know you are safe with someone trained for every possibility.

If you are taking certain medicines, have a skin condition (such as eczema) or you are highly likely to have a severe reaction then your specialist may choose to use a blood test instead of a skin test. The allergy specialist will know which test is best for you or your child based on your circumstances and medical history.

Using their training and experience, a true asthma and allergy clinic will be able to make a diagnosis regardless of your skin type, substantially reducing the risk of misinterpretation, misdiagnosis or mismanagement of your condition.

Once you have an accurate diagnosis the specialist will be able to make recommendations on changes to your lifestyle and diet to enable you to effectively manage your condition, reduce the risk of a severe reaction and increase your quality of life.

 

Phoenix Families Advice - Does my child have a peanut allergy?

Peanuts are one of the most common allergy-causing foods, found in a diverse range of products including some baked goods, candy, chili and many others foods that by outside appearances seem peanut-free. Because peanuts are so common and can cause such severe reactions many parents in the Phoenix area worry about whether their child might have an allergy.

If you are a parent and seriously concerned your child may have a peanut allergy your first port of call should be professional allergists, rather than relying on an internet or self-diagnosis. A professional will take a detailed history and conduct a safe and accurate test to determine if your child has an allergic reaction when exposed to peanuts.

It is important to get a diagnosis for two reasons – firstly should you receive a diagnosis they will provide all the support and advice you need to help your child eat safely at home and outside the home. Just as importantly if your child is tested by professional allergists and they discover he or she does not have an allergy they can then safely eat peanuts. This is important because avoiding potential allergens can actually make children more sensitive – if a child is unnecessarily stopped from eating peanuts this may actually contribute to their developing an allergy!

If you are concerned then the following list of signs should help you decide whether you need to visit the allergists:

• Near Immediate Reaction - If your child is allergic to peanuts they should experience a near-immediate reaction when exposed. This could be a combination of a number of symptoms including swelling of the face or throat, quick-spreading rashes, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting or feeling weak.
• Often Runs in Families - Family members with allergies make it more likely your child will have allergies themselves.
• Happens Every Time - An allergic reaction is reliable and repeatable – the symptoms should appear any time a peanut is eaten – they will not happen just some of the time.

If you are concerned contact an allergyspecialist in Phoenix and get your child checked at the earliest possible opportunity. Not only will you receive expert advice but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing for certain, regardless of the outcome.

Open Wide: Understanding and Coping with Food Allergies in Phoenix

"Food allergies refer to the human body’s gross overreaction against certain harmless proteins found in particular foods. Allergic reactions differ in every patient; symptoms range from dizziness, itching, swelling, and to more life-threatening symptoms such as rapid pulse acceleration, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and breathing difficulties. To avoid fatal scenarios, individuals who have experienced any type of food allergy should have themselves tested to know exactly what foods to avoid. A center for food allergy testing in Phoenix, AZ, such as Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. can help at-risk individuals identify any underlying complications they may have. Since most food allergies are inherited, parents may want to have their children tested as well. Prevention is the best cure, after all, and testing can save your life or your loved one from a dish gone wrong."

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/open-wide-understanding-and-coping-with-food-allergies-in-phoenix/