Allergies are not uncommon, and many people suffer from different types of allergic reactions. Most people suffering from allergies have mild symptoms, while others may have severe reactions.

Anaphylaxis occurs in severe allergies and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have an allergy, it's a good idea to understand allergy symptoms and how to get tested.

Once you're tested, you can avoid the allergen or learn what to do when exposed. This is especially important for life-threatening allergic reactions.

What Are Allergy Symptoms?

Many people suffer from allergies to everyday things, like pet dander or pollen. Allergic reactions are generally mild. Symptoms include:

• Itching nose, eyes, or throat
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Swollen eyes
• Water or red eyes

If you have these symptoms, an over-the-counter allergy pill helps ease symptoms. If not, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

When Should I Get Tested?

If your allergy symptoms are ongoing or if over-the-counter medications don't help ease symptoms, talk to your doctor about an allergy test. Doctors arrange allergy testing for patients who have symptoms lasting longer than just a few weeks and the allergies keep returning. If you've had a severe allergic reaction, like anaphylaxis, allergy testing is crucial, so you know what substances to avoid.

What Are Allergy Tests?

There are two common types of allergy tests. One is a skin prick test and the other is an intradermal skin test.

The skin prick test, also known as the scratch test, checks for reactions to several irritants at one time. The allergist tests the skin on the patient's back or forearm.

The intradermal skin test is not used first. Allergists perform this test if skin prick tests are negative or come back inconclusive.

Doctors may also use other allergy tests to get results, such as:

• Blood tests
• Patch tests
• Challenge tests

Allergists use challenge tests when food or drug allergies are suspected. It is a physician-supervised test for those who have severe reactions to food and medications.

What Do Allergy Test Results Mean?

The doctor looks for certain signs when conducting allergy tests. A positive reaction includes a raised bump with a red circle around it. If no bump or circle appears, the test is negative for that substance.

The larger the bump and red circle the worse the allergy is and most often indicates a food allergy.

If you think you have allergies to certain substances and need relief from your symptoms, ask your doctor about allergy testing

For more information on allergy testing, contact a professional near you.