When allergies look like something else
Allergies are easy to mistake for other problems. Congestion that lasts for weeks gets treated as a sinus infection. A cough that won’t clear gets blamed on a cold that never quite left. A scratchy throat comes and goes for no obvious reason. Months can pass before anyone looks for the real cause.
It may be worth asking about allergy testing if you notice any of these patterns:
- Congestion or a runny nose that lasts for weeks, or comes back at the same time each year
- Repeated “sinus infections” that never seem to clear completely
- A lingering cough, especially at night or in certain places
- Itchy, watery eyes or bouts of sneezing
- Symptoms that flare around pets, dust, certain foods or time outdoors
Our article on allergies or a sinus infection explains how the two overlap and why they’re so often confused.
What testing looks for
Testing aims to identify your specific triggers. They usually fall into three groups:
- Seasonal: pollens that rise and fall through the year
- Environmental: things at home or work, such as dust, mold or animal dander
- Food: reactions to something you eat
The doctor chooses which tests to run based on your symptoms and history, so every visit starts with a conversation about what you’ve been noticing and when.
How the test is done
We use skin testing. A tiny amount of each allergen is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and after about 15 to 20 minutes any spot that reacts shows as a small raised bump, a little like a mosquito bite. The reaction fades within an hour or so. Our panel covers more than 72 allergens, including pollens, dust mites, mold, animal dander and foods, and we test children from age 3 as well as adults.
From results to a plan
Once your results are in, we go through them with you and put together a personalized treatment plan. Depending on what we find, it may include ways to reduce contact with your triggers, medicines to ease symptoms, and a follow-up visit to see how it’s working.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
For people whose symptoms keep coming back despite medicines, immunotherapy retrains the immune system with small, increasing doses of the allergens you react to. It’s a longer commitment, with regular injections over months and then years, and we offer the full course here in the clinic rather than referring you elsewhere.
The aim is to help you breathe easier, sleep better and get through the day with fewer symptoms and fewer interruptions. If your results point somewhere other than allergies, your regular primary care visits are where we look into it next.
Insurance
Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial plans are accepted; see every plan. Coverage for allergy testing depends on your plan, so it’s worth checking with your insurer before your visit.
Before your allergy test
- Call us at (281) 984-4550 well before your appointment to ask which medicines to pause. Antihistamines and some other medicines can affect the results of allergy tests.
- Don’t stop any prescription medicine on your own. Ask us, or the doctor who prescribed it, first.
- Bring a list of everything you take, including allergy tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.
- Jot down when and where your symptoms are at their worst.
- Note any severe reaction you’ve had in the past.
- Have your insurance card and ID ready.
Common questions
How can I tell if it’s allergies or a sinus infection?
The two overlap, which is why so many people treat one when they have the other. Allergies often bring itchy eyes and sneezing and tend to follow a pattern by season or place, while a sinus infection more often follows a cold. If your symptoms keep coming back, testing can help settle the question.
Do I need to stop my allergy medicine before testing?
Possibly. Antihistamines and some other medicines can affect the results of some allergy tests. Call us before your appointment and we’ll tell you what to pause and for how long, and don’t stop a prescription medicine without checking first.
What happens after allergy testing?
We go through your results with you and make a personalized plan. It may include ways to avoid your triggers, medicines to ease symptoms and a follow-up visit to check how it’s going.
Is allergy testing covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for testing. Medicare and Medicaid are among the plans we accept, and self-pay is an option. Check the plans we accept, then confirm the details with your insurer.
Can children be tested for allergies?
Yes, from age 3. The skin test is the same as for adults, and most children tolerate it well. If a grandparent or caregiver will bring your child, complete the authorization to treat a minor first.
Do you offer allergy shots?
Yes. The full course of allergy immunotherapy is given here in the clinic. After testing, the doctor will tell you whether shots are a good option for your triggers and what the schedule would look like.
