How can I test for allergies?
There are many different ways to test for allergies, each with their advantages and disadvantages. One method is through blood laboratory testing (IgE immunocap) testing. While this can be a useful way to test for allergies, especially in young children, the results are not as accurate as other forms of skin testing. Additionally, results may take several weeks to obtain.
Skin testing methods (either skin-prick, serial endpoint titration, patch testing, or modified endpoint titration testing) can be performed in the office and will give immediate and more accurate test results. This involves small needle pricks or injections and are not often tolerated by small children.
How do you treat allergies?
Allergies are best treated by a combination of approaches. First avoidance of the triggering allergens will help to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups or reactions. Secondly, optimizing medications and prescriptions (anti-histamine pills, nasal steroid sprays, eye drops) will reduce symptoms. Finally, the best treatment is immunotherapy to try to desensitive the body over 3 to 5 years and “get rid” of your allergies. This is accomplished either through weekly to bi-weekly allergy shots or through daily allergy drops underneath the tongue at home.
What do I need to do to prepare for allergy testing?
Please read the instructions below to prepare for your allergy testing visit with us.
ALLERGY TESTING INSTRUCTIONS
• Please wear short sleeves.
• No Antihistamines or Aspirin for 5-7 days preceding the test. Also see list of drugs below that interfere with allergy testing. Check with your Primary Physician before stopping any medications.
• No herbal supplements or herbal teas/Green tea 5-7 days preceding the allergy test.
See page below.
• If you require medical or translation needs then someone may accompany you.
• If you have any questions, please call the office 703-723-8727.
DRUGS THAT INTERFERE WITH ALLERGY TESTING
THE MOST COMMON ALLERGY MEDICATIONS TO AVOID PRIOR TO ALLERGY TESTING
Afrin Nasal Spray
Allegra
Allegra D
Astelin Nasal Spray
Benadryl
Clarinex
Claritin
Claritin D
Zyrtec
Atarax
MAO INHIBITORS: Must be off for 5-7 days prior to testing and then possibly off permanently. A patient cannot be given adrenaline while on MAO Inhibitors it will provoke hypertensive crisis. Please check with your Primary Care Physician prior to discontinuing medications.
Eutonyl (Pargyline)
Eutron (Pargyline & Methyclothiazine)
Flroxone (Furzaolidone)
Matulane (Procarbazine)
Nardil (Phenelzine)
Parnate (Tranyleypromine)
ANTIHISTAMINES & DECONGESTANTS: Must be off 5-7 days prior to testing. This list is not all inclusive. Please call if you have any questions on Medications.
Actifed
Advil Cold/Sinus
Allegra, Allegra
Benadryl
Chlorpheniramine
Chor-Trimeton
Clarinex
Claritin, Claritin
Clistin-Glisten
Comhist
Deconamine
Dimetapp
Dimetane
Dramamine
Excedrin PM
Entex
Isoclor
Kronofed
Marax
Midol PM
Naldecon
Nisaval
Nolahist
Nolamine
Novahistine
Optimine
PBZ
Periactin
Polaramine
Poly-histine
Ritalin
Robistussin CF
Rondec
Ru-tuss
Rynatan
Tavist I, Tavist D
Teldrin
TheraFlu
Tylenol Cold/Sinus
Zyrtec
Please refrain from taking all cold medications, nose drops and sprays, cough medications, cough drops and other antihistamines of any form.
H2 ANTAGONISTS: Anti-nausea and Reflux medications. Should be off 5-7 days prior to testing
Meclizine
Pepcid (Famotidine)
Phenergan
Tagamet (Cimetidine)
Zantac (Ranitidine)
BETA-BLOCKERS: must be off 5-7 days prior to testing
Betapace (Sotalol)
Blocarden (Timolol Maleate)
Brevibloc (Esmolol HCL)
Cartrol (Carteolol HCL)
Corgard (Nadolol)
Corzide (Nadolol & HCTZ)
Inderal (Propraolol)
Inderid (Propranolol & HCTZ)
Kerlone (Betaxolol HCL)
Levatol (Penbutolol Sulfate)
Lopressor (Metoprolol Tartrate)
Normodyne (Labetolol HCL)
Normozide (Labetolol & HCTZ)
Sectral (Acebutolol HCL)
Tenoretic (Atenolol & Chlorthalidone)
Tenormin (Atenolol)
Timolide (Timolol & HCTZ)
Toprol XL (Metaprolol Succinate)
Trandate (Labetolol HCL)
Visken (Pindolol)
Zebeta (Bisoprolol
Ziac (Bisoprolol & HCTZ)
TRiCYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS: should be off 3-6 weeks prior to skin testing and then may continue after testing. Please consult with your prescribing doctor before stopping anti-depressant medications.
Adapin (Doxepin HCL)
Apo-Trimip (Trimipramine Maleate)
Asendin (Amoxapine)
Aventyl (Nortriptyline HCL)
Elavil (Amitriptyline)
Endep (Amitriptyline)
Emitrip (Amitriptyline)
Endlil (Amitriptyline)
Etrafon (Combination Drug)
Impril (Imipramine HCL)
Levate (Amitriptyline)
Limbitrol (Combination Drug)
Meravil (Amitriptyline)
Pamelor (Nortriptyline HCL)
Rolavil (Amitriptyline)
Sinequan (Doxepin HCL)
Surmontil (Trimipramine Maleate)
Trofanil PM (Impramine HCL & Pamoate)
Trazodone (Desyrel
Triadapin (Doxepin HCL)
Trialic (Combination Drug)
Tripramine (Imipramine HCL)
Triptil (Protriotyline HCL)
Vivactil (Pritroptyline HCL)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS: Must be off 5-7 days prior to skin testing and then may continue for immunotherapy
Advil
Aleve
Aspirin
Celebrex
Excedrin (PM, cold and sinus) medications
Flexeril
Ibuprofen
Motrin
Vioxx
HOMEOPATHIC REGIMENS: Must be off 5-7 days prior to skin testing
Green Tea
Dietary supplements
Herbal pills
Herbal teas
Vitamins
Any questions regarding your medications please contact your Primary Care Physician
Or call our office.
**RETEST PATIENTS BE ADVISED**
DO NOT take your allergy shot 2 weeks prior to testing.
DO NOT take your allergy drops for 1 week prior to the testing.
