Allergy Testing

If you come into contact with a substance your immune system views as a threat, such as animal dander, a certain food, or a plant—your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine, along with other substances released by the body, trigger allergy symptoms that can range from mild to severe and can affect your skin, sinuses, airways, and/or digestive track.

Mild and more common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Stomach pain
• Hives
• Itchy mouth or ears
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

Recognizing the typical symptoms or allergy signs is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and optimal symptom relief. However, in most cases, it’s not so easy to trace a symptom back to its cause. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history, current symptoms, and testing options.