Frequently Asked Questions
Procedure Description:
What To Expect:
A small amount of allergen extract is placed on the skin with a skin test device that lightly scratches the skin. The average number of screening skin tests is 20 for children and 40 for adults, depending on your symptoms. The skin testing lasts for 15-30 minutes, when we should see the results of the testing.
Preprocedure:
If you are being evaluated for allergies, we recommend you stop taking antihistamines (such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec) at least 5 days before your appointment (Clarinex 7 days, Hydroxyzine 10 days). If you are unsure if you are on an antihistamine, please call our office. Do not stop your other medications.
Postprocedure:
The skin tests may cause some temporary itching at the site of the test if you are allergic.
What does an allergist do?
Why would you need to see an allergist?
An allergist is trained to find your symptoms’ cause, threat them, and improve your quality of life. The doctors have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions including, seasonal allergies, asthma, sinusitis, food allergies and severe allergic reactions.
If you’re having difficulty breathing or living the life you want, it’s crucial to identify the cause of your symptoms. It can be difficult to isolate the allergic triggers and sometimes more than one type of test is necessary. Allergists have the tools and understanding of the tests required to diagnose allergies and allergy-related problems.
What training do the doctors at Asthma & Allergy Center of Northwest Arkansas have?
In the U.S, becoming an allergist or immunologist requires at least an additional nine years of training beyond a bachelor’s degree. After earning a medical degree, doctors complete a three-year training program in either pediatrics or internal medicine. Then, allergists study asthma,