Allergy Testing in North Texas

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million people in the U.S. experience some type of allergy each year. Allergies are also one of the leading causes of chronic health conditions in America. While most men, women, and children are usually aware that they have an allergy, they often do not know the type or cause. To provide an accurate diagnosis, Cross Timbers ENT offers medical-based allergy testing. Contact our team at any one of our locations in Arlington, Mansfield, or Midlothian, TX to book an appointment. By identifying the underlying problem, you can receive the treatment you need to gain relief, prevent episodes, and help manage symptoms. 

Allergy testing offers our Arlington, TX patients a number of benefits that can relieve and change their lives, including:

• Ability to diagnose between subtle allergy changes
• Kill two (or more) birds with one stone, as you test for many allergies at once
• Ongoing care for determined allergies
• Help provide safety and certianty in your mind as to what triggers to avoid

Itchy eyes and nasal congestion are two of the most common symptoms associated with allergies. These issues may seem small but impact your quality of life. If you suffer from these or similar symptoms on a regular basis, you may want to consider allergy testing. Cross Timbers ENT will provide a health evaluation to determine if testing is the best option for your needs. Please inform us of any medications you are taking as well as other health conditions that may be present. Our goal is to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.

Cross Timbers ENT in North Texas offers modern allergy testing options for men, women, and children. At our practice, patients can choose from a blood test or skin test to determine the type and cause of their allergy. These assessments are quick, easy, and highly accurate. We may also recommend an elimination diet or expose you to a small sample of the suspected allergen to identify adverse reactions. Once we pinpoint the allergen, we can discuss treatment options. Visit our allergy shot page to learn more.

Your experience after allergy testing may vary depending on the type of allergy test you receive. If you get a skin test, you will likely be asked to wait for an amount of time in case any significant reactions occur and to let any mild or moderate skin reactions dissipate. For skin testing, results are known almost immediately and any treatments can be determined soon after. With blood tests, there will be some time for lab processing before the results are known and treatments can be decided upon. It is uncommon to return to Cross Timbers ENT for additional testing unless your doctor or practitioner found something unusual in the results that requires further care. Occasionally, patients may need additional tests if the allergy is severe and causing other health concerns. As they develop, children may also need additional allergy testing to ensure they have not developed additional allergies.

Is allergy testing safe?

For the majority of patients, skin testing for allergies is generally safe, even for children as young as infants. However, at Cross Timbers ENT, we may recommend against it if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction. We also offer blood tests for allergies, which check for allergen-specific IgE antibodies to diagnose allergies.

Does allergy testing hurt?

No, allergy testing isn’t painful. Most patients experience little to no discomfort as the small needles, or lancets, used to introduce an allergen to the skin only shallowly penetrate the topmost layer of skin.

What allergies do an allergy test typically check for?

The most common allergies tested for include food and nut allergies, pollen, dust, dander, insect stings, mold, latex, among others.

Can you develop allergies in adulthood?

Yes, you can. While some allergies are present from childhood, children can also grow out of them. On the other hand, some people can develop allergies as adults. That’s why it’s always recommended to have allergy testing done if you are being seriously impacted by the effects of allergies.

What are some symptoms of allergies?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face, eyes, and/or throat
• Runny nose
• Stomach cramps
• Severe itching
• Difficulty breathing

While allergies are very common among Americans, the cause isn't always known. If you or your loved one are experiencing chronic, severe, or even mild allergies, contact Cross Timbers ENT in Midlothian, Arlington, or Mansfield, TX today. Our expert team can perform premier allergy testing to identify the specific allergen you are suffering from so you can get the treatment you need.