Wright Sinus Choice

Allergy Testing

What Is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is a diagnostic approach designed to assess whether your immune system responds to substances known as allergens. Determining if your body has such sensitivities is the crucial first step toward developing a treatment plan that can manage your symptoms.

Common Allergens We Test For:

  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Dust mites
  • Mold spores
  • Medications
  • Certain foods (milk, nuts, eggs, shellfish, and more)
  • Insect venom

If you’re experiencing ongoing or severe allergy symptoms, schedule a consultation with a specialist.

A female medical professional inserts a nasal aspirator into a male patient's nostril for a treatment.

Types of Allergy Tests at Wright Sinus Choice

Our team offers a range of safe, medically-approved testing methods based on your symptoms, medical history, and other health factors.

Skin Prick Testing

This is a common type of allergy testing and can help detect immediate allergic reactions.

  • Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin.
  • The skin is gently pricked to introduce the allergen.
  • After 15 to 20 minutes, we check for any signs of reaction, such as redness or swelling.

Intradermal Testing

When results from a skin prick test need further confirmation, intradermal testing may be conducted.

  • A small amount of allergen is injected just under the surface of the skin.
  • We check for any signs of an allergic reaction.

While this method may detect subtle responses, false positives are possible and must be interpreted carefully. Allergy test results must be interpreted in context with clinical history and symptoms. No test is 100% accurate.

Blood Testing (IgE Antibody Test)

When skin testing isn’t appropriate (maybe due to certain skin conditions or medications), blood testing is recommended.

  • A blood sample is collected and tested for allergen-specific IgE antibodies.

This type of testing can offer a broader look at the patient’s immune system response to allergens.

How to Prepare for Allergy Testing

During your consultation and before your appointment for testing, your care provider will provide detailed instructions to ensure accurate results. General, this may include:

  • Informing your provider of any existing medical conditions
  • Avoiding certain medications like antihistamines
  • Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for the test
  • Staying hydrated and eating a light meal before testing
Start Your Allergy Care Plan
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What Happens After the Test?

Once we have the results of your test, we will review and explain:

  • Which allergens triggered a reaction
  • The severity and pattern of your allergy symptoms
  • How these results and findings relate to your health and lifestyle

Based on this information, we will develop and design a treatment plan tailored to your unique allergy profile, needs, lifestyle, and health goals.

A smiling doctor in a white coat listens attentively while shaking hands with a patient.

Your treatment and management plan may include

  • Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may reduce symptoms in some patients. Individual results vary. All treatments and medications should be discussed with your care provider.
  • Sublingual immunotherapy or allergy shots are FDA-approved for treating specific allergens. Use for other allergens is off-label, which is not FDA-approved for that specific purpose, and should only be considered when clinically appropriate, after a thorough discussion of potential risks, benefits, and alternatives with your healthcare provider.
  • Lifestyle and environmental adjustments can reduce your exposure to allergens at home, school, or work.

Why Choose Wright Sinus Choice?

  • Our board-certified ENT physician specialize in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions.
  • We use modern technologies to support reliable allergy testing methods and help guide personalized care plans.
  • We tailor care plans based on each patient’s allergy profile, medical history, and health goals.
  • We offer ongoing support from testing to long-term allergy management.
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Begin Your Journey Toward Personalized Allergy Care and Management

Persistent allergy symptoms, especially if left to their own devices, can impact daily life and comfort. Identifying what exactly triggers your symptoms is an important first step toward exploring allergy management options tailored to your needs.

Wright Sinus Choice proudly serves patients from McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, and across the greater Rio Grande Valley.