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Allergies Health Guide
Diagnostic Procedures and Treatments for Allergy and Asthma
Allergy and asthma require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in
the directory below are some of the diagnostic procedures and treatments for allergy and
asthma, for which we have provided a brief overview.
If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Online Resources
page in this Web site for the Internet/World Wide Web addresses of other organizations that may
provide the information you are looking for.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Skin Tests
Blood Test
Treatments:
Avoidance
Medications
Immunotherapy
Skin Tests
What are skin tests for allergy?
Skin tests are diagnostic tests used by physicians to assist in determining which allergens a
person may react to.
Using diluted extracts from specific allergens, the physician will prick, scratch, or inject the skin
of the allergic person to determine the level of IgE antibodies.
When the test is positive, a small red, raised area, called a wheal, will appear. The reddened
area around the wheal is called a flare.
The physician uses the information from the skin test to find the most appropriate treatment for
each patient.
Blood Test
What is a blood test for allergy?
A blood test is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the level of IgE antibodies present in a
person who has allergic reactions and symptoms.p
The blood test most commonly used is called RAST (radioallergosorbent test), which may be
used even when the patient is taking medications for the allergic reactions, or if the patient has
dermatological allergic reactions such as eczema.
Avoidance
What is avoidance?
Avoidance is staying away from a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
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Suggestions for avoiding (some) allergens:
Remain indoors:
o when the pollen count is high
o on windy days
Dust proof the home, particularly the bedroom.
o Eliminate, when possible: wall-to-wall carpet, Venetian blinds, down-filled
blankets or pillows, closets filled with clothes and stuffed animals in children's rooms.
o Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing often and in hot water to eliminate dust
mites.
o Keep bedding in dust covers when possible.
Use air conditioning instead of opening the windows.
Consider putting a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home, but remember to clean it
often.
Wear face masks when working in the yard.
Go on vacation to the sea shore during the heaviest part of the pollen season.
Your physician will also have suggestions for avoiding the allergens that cause reactions.
Medications for Allergy and Asthma
Specific treatment with medications will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
your overall health and medical history
extent of the allergic disease
your tolerance for specific medications
expectations for the course of the allergic disease
your opinion or preference
You should also consult your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications for
allergy or asthma.
For people who suffer with asthma and allergies, there are many effective medications for
treatment of symptoms. This is a brief overview of the most commonly used types of
medications:
What are antihistamines?
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and
other allergies. They work by preventing the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the
body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines come in tablet, capsule, liquid, or injection form
and are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and
other allergies. They work by preventing the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the
body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines come in tablet, capsule, liquid, or injection form
and are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
Many antihistamines cause drowsiness, but newer ones (terfenadine, astemazole, loratadine, and
others) rarely cause this side effect. Other common side effects include dry mouth, difficult
urination, constipation and confusion. Some people may experience nightmares, unusual
excitement or nervousness, restlessness or irritability.
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What are decongestants?
Decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with colds and
allergies. They work by narrowing blood vessels, leading to the clearing of nasal congestion.
Decongestants are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. The most commonly
used forms are liquid and tablet. Nose sprays or drops may be used for acute situations, but
should be used for only a few days in a row, or as prescribed by your physician. Over-the-
counter nasal sprays, if used for a prolonged period of time, may cause "rebound rhinitis" or
nasal congestion symptoms.
Decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with colds and
allergies. They work by narrowing blood vessels, leading to the clearing of nasal congestion.
Decongestants are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. The most commonly
used forms are liquid and tablet. Nose sprays or drops may be used for acute situations, but
should be used for only a few days in a row, or as prescribed by your physician. Over-the-
counter nasal sprays, if used for a prolonged period of time, may cause "rebound rhinitis" or
nasal congestion symptoms.
Decongestants may cause nervousness, sleeplessness, or elevation in blood pressure. If the
nasal spray form is used too long, it may cause even more nasal congestion.
What are types of inhaled medications?
Inhaled corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids, also called steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, reduce the
inflammation in the airways. They reduce the number of mast cells in the nose, and lessen
the swelling and mucus production. They may be prescribed in an oral or inhaled form.
Long-term oral corticosteroid use may cause side effects such as ulcers, weight gain,
cataracts, weakening bones, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and easy bruising.
Possible side effects from inhaled anti-inflammatory medications include coughing and
hoarseness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications:
Cromolyn sodium is a preventive nasal spray used for inhibiting the start of allergic
rhinitis. It works on stopping the release of histamine from the mast cells. Another example
is nedocromil.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are used to relieve coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty in
breathing. They work by opening up the bronchial tubes -- the air passages in the lungs -- so
that more air can flow through.
Bronchodilators include:
beta-agonists
anticholinergics
They come in inhaled, tablet, capsule, liquid, or injectable forms. Bronchodilators may cause
nausea, vomiting, headache, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia, especially in elderly
patients and children who are more sensitive to the effects of medications.
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Talk with your physician for more information before taking any asthma or allergy medications.
Immunotherapy
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a series of "allergy shots," which contain the allergen(s) that cause allergic
reactions. The injections are given periodically over a long period of time, with steadily
increasing concentrations of the allergen.
Immunotherapy encourages the body's immune system to build a protective antibody called IgG
that will reduce the symptoms of allergy and lessen the need for medications.
When is immunotherapy used?
Specific treatment with immunotherapy will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
your overall health and medical history
extent of the allergic disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the allergic disease
your opinion or preference
Immunotherapy may be used when symptoms:
are moderate to severe
occur more than two to three months each year
have not responded well to medications
are due to an allergen that is not easy to avoid