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Testing for Fall Allergies

Fall allergies cause reactions due to seasonal triggers that cause histamine distress within the body. Allergy testing can be performed to diagnose the allergen source.

  1. Identification

    • Fall allergies produce hay fever symptoms of congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing that may indicate the need for allergy testing and treatment.

    Types

    • Mold and ragweed are abundant in the fall due to ragweed pollination and damp weather that promotes mold growth, causing allergies when inhaled through the eyes, nose and mouth.

    Function

    • Fall allergies are tested through the skin prick test, which injects a small amount of allergen into a patient. Skin irritations at the injection site indicate an allergy.

    Considerations

    • Lung function tests check for allergic asthma, measuring the amount of air breathed out and rate of exhalation, with low measurements indicating a potential allergen obstruction in the lungs.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Upon testing and diagnosing fall allergies, oral and topical antihistamines can be used to decrease inflammation, bronchodilators may relieve allergic asthma and allergy shots may be recommended during the season.

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