Allergy Testing Specialist
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Primary Care Associates of Maryland
Family Medicine & Geriatrics located in Frederick, MD & Clarksburg, MD
Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Allergy testing can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and ensures you receive appropriate treatment. Praveen Bolarum, MD, and the team at Primary Care Associates of Maryland offers comprehensive allergy testing and treatment for all types of allergies at two locations in Frederick - on Thomas Johnson Drive and Urbana Pike - and another in Clarksburg, Maryland. To end your struggle with debilitating allergies, call the clinic nearest you or request an appointment online.
Allergy Testing Q & A
What is allergy testing?
If you suffer from allergy symptoms, allergy testing can identify which specific allergens cause your allergic response. The team at Primary Care Associates of Maryland performs comprehensive testing for all types of allergies, such as:
- Food
- Environmental (pollens, grasses, etc.)
- Insect
- Skin
- Drug
- Occupational (chemicals, etc.)
Once your provider determines the exact cause of your allergies, they design a customized plan to help you manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Different allergens can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common signs of allergies include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Itching
- Hives and rashes
- Facial swelling
- Nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues
Extremely severe reactions can result in anaphylaxis, which causes life-threatening symptoms that can interfere with breathing.
How does allergy testing work?
Your experienced provider at Primary Care Associates of Maryland begins with a physical exam and a review of your health history. They also ask you questions about your symptoms, your home and work environment, and lifestyle to assess your exposure to specific allergens.
Your provider continues with a skin prick allergy test. They map out a grid on your upper back, then gently prick your skin and apply a sample of concentrated allergen to each section. Your provider then records your reaction to each sample.
Your provider may also order blood work for laboratory analysis.
Which treatments can help me manage my allergies?
Once your provider determines the exact cause of your allergies, they provide a detailed management plan to help you control your symptoms. Typically, the avoidance of allergy triggers is the first step to successful management.
By avoiding certain foods, removing dust and mold from your home, or using hypoallergenic products, you can minimize your contact with allergens. Oral or topical medications and inhalers can help you control your allergic response. Immunotherapy is also an excellent treatment for allergies.
If you’re at risk for anaphylaxis, you might need to carry an epinephrine self-injection pen, which can reverse anaphylactic symptoms quickly.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy offers a long-term solution for moderate to severe allergies. This involves ongoing exposure to small amounts of purified allergen extracts, administered by injection or with sublingual drops placed beneath your tongue. Immunotherapy takes a few years, but it’s highly effective at reducing allergy symptoms.
If you suffer from uncomfortable allergy symptoms, request an evaluation at Primary Care Associates of Maryland. Call the clinic nearest you, or book an appointment online today.