Allergy

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals in your body. These chemicals can cause inflammation, itching, and other symptoms.
 
Some common allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds; dust mites; animal dander; mould spores; insect stings; and certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish.
 
Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin rash or hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention)

 
Why Get Allergy Testing?
If you experience allergy symptoms, it's important to determine the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. Allergy testing can help you identify these triggers, so you can take steps to avoid them and reduce your symptoms.
 

• Allergy testing can also help you:
• Determine the severity of your allergies
• Identify cross-reactive allergens (substances that cause a similar immune response as the allergen you're allergic to)
• Plan immunotherapy (a treatment that can help desensitize your immune system to specific allergens)
• Types of Allergy Testing

  

At Sheen Clinic, we offer allergy testing using a blood test. During this test, a sample of your blood is taken and analyzed for the presence of allergen-specific antibodies. This type of testing is often recommended for individuals who cannot undergo skin testing due to factors such as severe eczema or medications that could impact the accuracy of skin test results.
 
If you are experiencing symptoms of allergies, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our doctor to discuss the possibility of allergy testing and develop a plan for managing your symptoms.