If you suffer from asthma due to allergies and have been considering an allergy skin test in Gainesville, Virginia, our allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy may be able to help you. Allergies can be very uncomfortable but when they cause asthma, it can become a serious health concern if not treated. Like many locations around the country, Gainesville VA has its share of asthma sufferers. We encourage you to contact our office to make an appointment for an exam. It’s very possible that our allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy can provide treatment and solutions that can improve your condition and increase your quality of life.
One of the first steps your doctor will take is to perform an allergy skin test in Gainesville VA to determine what you are allergic to. This will help greatly in determining the best course of treatment.
The Nature of Allergies and Asthma
Many people do not suffer from allergies, while some suffer terribly from them. Not everyone who suffers from allergies initially develop asthma, but it can happen over time. It’s important to see an allergist if you are suffering from allergies in order to gain relief, and if you have asthma, it’s even more critical. An allergy skin test can help greatly in this process.
How Allergies Develop
The body’s immune system works to protect against viruses and bacteria. When the immune system mistakes common things as potentially harmful, allergies develop. The allergies may be in reaction to allergens or substances that are not actually harmful, such as pollen or cat dander if the lungs, nose, eyes, or skin come into contact with them.
In response to the allergens, the body generates IgE antibodies. The antibodies trigger the body to release histamine which causes inflammation and swelling. As the body attempts to eliminate the allergen, symptoms develop including itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Common Triggers for Allergies and Asthma
When someone suffers from allergies, it’s because certain substances trigger an individual’s immune system to react; these triggers are known as allergens. Allergens may be so small that they are invisible to the human eye. However, they can wreak havoc and cause much suffering when they are inhaled. An allergy skin test can determine what those allergens are. Some of the most common triggers in Gainesville VA that can cause allergies which lead to asthma include:
- Mold
- Saliva and dander (on fur, feathers, or skin) from pets
- Cockroach body parts
- Dust mite feces
- Pollen from weeds, grasses, and trees
You may be vulnerable to irritants that may cause you to experience an asthma attack and which are not necessarily connected to allergies. Common irritants include these:
- Air pollution
- Smoke from fires, candles, fireworks, tobacco, or incense
- Dust
- Cold air and exercise in cold air or colder temperatures
- Scented products such as perfumes and air fresheners
- Strong chemical fumes or odors
Testing in Gainesville VA for Allergies That May Lead to Asthma
Our allergist at Black & Kletz Allergy can test you to determine what triggers your allergies, whether it’s airborne contaminants, food allergies, or something else. There are two common methods of testing for allergies:
- An allergy skin test which involves skin pricks with a very small amount of a particular type of allergen and registering the amount or absence of skin irritation 20 minutes later.
- Performing a blood test that tests for the presence of antibodies.
If you are suffering from allergies and asthma, contact Black & Kletz Allergy to make an appointment for an allergy skin test Gainesville VA trust for treatment options.