Many individuals who suffer from moderate to severe allergy symptoms choose to be tested in order to find out the exact allergen which is causing them to have a reaction.
The primary reason why they choose to do this is that it is extremely beneficial in that the individual is now aware of what it is they need to avoid in order to decrease or stop their allergy attacks.
This testing is typically done by doctors who specialize in the treatment of allergies and are known as allergists.
Many individuals are referred to an allergist by their primary care physician after they have been diagnosed with an allergy in order to determine the exact cause.
There are two types of allergy tests that are generally performed and typically only one of them will be done either blood tests or skin tests.
Prior to this testing an individual will need to provide their medical history and the allergist will inquire about all of his or her allergy symptoms.
Skin tests are the most common to be preformed and consist of different allergens being directly exposed to the skin through small scratches or puncture wounds.
If the individual is allergic to the substance, a swelling or redness surrounding the area will appear within fifteen minutes.
Another form of skin testing which may be performed is an intradermal skin test.
During this testing an allergen is introduced underneath the top layer of skin with an injection.
The Blood testing which can be performed is called 'RAST' or 'Radioallergosorbent testing' which may be used if the individual cannot have a skin test due to certain medications they are taking or a skin condition.
This type of blood test may also be more beneficial than skin testing when it comes to people who have food allergies.
Once the testing is complete and the results are determined, the allergist will then discuss the available options for treatment.