Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects over 19 million adults and over 5 million children in the U.S. each year. Here in central Florida, grass pollen is highest during the summer and fall months. The tree pollen season, primarily from oak trees, usually lasts from January or February until April or May. While there may be peak months for allergy activity, people living here with environmental allergies, especially to indoor allergens like dust mites, may be affected all year long. Other people may suffer from food, medication, or insect sting allergies.
Who Should Get an Allergy Test?
Consider having an environmental allergy test done if you have:
- A runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Red, watery, itchy eyes
- A persistent sneeze
- A nagging cough
- An itchy nose or throat
- Itching on the roof of your mouth
- Swelling under your eyes
- Blue-colored skin under your eyes
- Nasal secretions that drip down into your throat
Allergy testing can also be done to assess for food, medication, insect sting, or topical/contact allergies.
Benefits of an Allergy Test
You may be wondering why you would want an allergy test when you can just throw back an over-the-counter allergy medication. Allergy tests offer the potential to find a long-term solution for your allergies instead of a one-size-fits-all, temporary treatment.
Allergy testing allows you to:
Discover your allergy triggers
No matter if your allergies are caused by environmental, food, drug, or insect allergens, allergy testing can help pin down the exact causes. This information allows you to finally find treatments and solutions that will be the most effective for you.
Develop a customized allergy treatment plan
Once your allergens are identified, our team can get to work developing a customized treatment plan for you. We highly recommend our personalized subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for those who are eligible, which are mixed right here in our office based on your exact allergen profile. Sublingual allergen immunotherapy and other treatment methods are also available.
Manage your allergies effectively
Allergy testing and treatment by our group of competent, qualified allergists is the most effective way to manage your condition. We’ll assist you every step of the way so you are always informed and in control of your treatment. By arming yourself with information about your allergies, you can make the lifestyle changes that are needed to stay in the best health possible.
Allergy Testing in Tampa Bay
You don’t have to live in a constant battle with your allergies. If you live in or around Tampa and you’re dealing with allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with our talented team of physician allergists by calling (813) 971-9743.
