Allergies Testing

Tell me more

It is estimated that as many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. If you experience coughing, sneezing, or abdominal distress and you don’t know why, it may be allergies. Mary Gaffney, DO. MPH,. at Gaffney Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides allergy testing to identify the allergen behind your symptoms. To schedule your allergy testing, call the office today or book an appointment online.

What are allergies?

Allergies refer to symptoms you develop when your immune system responds to an agent it considers foreign and harmful, even though it may not be. With allergies, your immune system creates antibodies against the allergen, which lead to various symptoms.

Allergies are very common and while you can develop an allergy at any time, they most occur during childhood are at risk for allergies if they run in your family.

What are allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms vary in both type and intensity. They can affect your skin, respiratory system, and digestive system.

Common allergy symptoms include:

Sneezing, sore throat, and itchy, watery eyes

Hives

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat

Itchy skin, tongue, or throat

A serious allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that causes your body to go into a state of shock and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.

What is allergy testing?

When you suffer from allergy symptoms, you want to know the cause so you can take steps to avoid the allergen and get relief from your symptoms. Dr. Gaffney offers skin allergy testing at her clinic to help identify the allergen behind your symptoms.

During testing, the skin on your forearm s pricked with several different potential allergens. If your skin reacts to the allergen, typically indicated by the development of a red bump, then it’s likely the cause of your symptoms.

Dr. Gaffney administers allergy testing at her office. It takes anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, and she and her team closely monitor your reactions while being tested.

How are allergies treated?

Once we know to what you are allergic, Dr. Gaffney designs a treatment plan to help you get relief from your allergy symptoms. The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to avoid the thing that causes them. However, that is not always possible especially if the cause is environmental, such as pollen, and you can’t avoid them. Dr. Gaffney may provide treatments aimed at making you feel better.

You are not alone. We are here to help you.