Allergy Testing in Austin, TX
How Is Allergy Testing Done?
Here at Sinus & Snoring Specialists, we perform allergy testing using two highly accurate methods to identify allergies, allergy symptoms, and potential allergic reactions. The simplest and most common way to test for allergens is through skin testing. Skin testing involves placing tiny doses of common allergens on the superficial layer of the skin to evaluate how the immune system responds. This can be done at the Allergy Center in our office in Austin using a modern multi-pressure skin prick test device that provides fast, reliable results.
Allergy skin testing does not require needles, is painless, and helps diagnose allergic rhinitis, hay fever, pet dander sensitivity, dust mite allergies, pollen allergies, mold allergies, insect sting allergies, and other allergic conditions. Within 15 minutes, we can determine whether your symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, congestion, or skin symptoms, are caused by allergic reactions, allowing us to develop the ideal allergy treatment plan.
We also test for allergies using blood testing (RAST), which measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the body. Blood testing (RAST) is ideal for patients who cannot undergo skin testing, such as those with severe eczema, those taking certain medications, or those with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Both testing methods help us make an accurate diagnosis and determine whether you have food allergies, drug allergies, or other allergic conditions that may require allergy drops or additional treatments.
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Who Is a Candidate for Allergy Testing?
Anyone who experiences allergy symptoms can be a great candidate for allergy testing. Allergy symptoms can include typical “acute-phase” reactions, such as watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, itchy skin, or other skin symptoms, which are triggered when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold.
Alternatively, allergy symptoms may occur during the “delayed phase,” which is caused by swelling, inflammation, or ongoing allergic reactions inside the nose, throat, or sinuses. These patients typically complain of congestion, sinus pressure, recurring infections, sinusitis, headaches, postnasal drip, snoring, asthma flare-ups, sleep apnea, or even difficulty breathing during exposure to certain allergens.
Since our allergy testing does not involve needles, it is well tolerated even by very young children and adults with sensitive skin. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms associated with allergies, you may be an ideal candidate for allergy testing to obtain an accurate diagnosis, identify the allergens affecting you, and create a personalized treatment plan that may include allergy drops, medications, or avoidance strategies.
Allergy Signs and Symptoms
Allergy symptoms can be confused with viral infections, such as the common cold, since both can cause overlapping symptoms and irritation of the nose, throat, and sinuses. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Sore throat or throat itching
- Congestion or nasal blockage
- Headaches
- Sinus pressure or sinusitis
- Sinus infections
- Snoring and sleep apnea related to chronic allergic rhinitis
These allergic reactions may be triggered by pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, food allergies, or other allergens that cause the immune system to overreact. If you frequently experience any of these symptoms, allergy testing in our Austin office can help determine whether allergies are the underlying cause and guide a more effective treatment plan.
Allergy Treatment Options
Here at Sinus and Snoring Specialists, we offer Sublingual Immunotherapy, or allergy drops, as a highly effective treatment option for allergies. This therapy helps retrain the immune system so it no longer overreacts to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and even certain food allergens. Allergy drops are placed under the tongue daily and are an excellent choice for adults and children who prefer to avoid injections or have a fear of needles. Most patients can stop allergy drop therapy after about three years, once they have developed long-term immunity and reduced allergic reactions.
Over-the-counter medications are also an option for those with mild allergy symptoms. These include nasal sprays, saline rinses, antihistamines, and decongestants. It is important to understand that allergy medications do not prevent allergic reactions from occurring the way allergy drops do. Instead, these medications allow the allergic reaction to occur and then attempt to mask the symptoms. They are generally less effective, may cause side effects, and typically must be taken indefinitely.
How Long Does Allergy Skin Testing Take?
Allergy testing is very quick and typically takes about 30 minutes, which includes the skin tests as well as a review of your detailed medical and allergy history. This history is very important because some patients have significant allergies that are isolated to the nose and may not appear on standard skin tests or blood tests. This condition is known as Local Allergic Rhinitis (LAR), a form of allergic rhinitis in which the immune system reacts locally even when traditional tests come back negative.
Many children and adults with LAR may have been tested in the past and told they “don’t have allergies” or that they have “non-allergic rhinitis.” LAR is actually a very common condition, and it responds to allergy drop therapy just as effectively as allergy-positive cases. We obtain a detailed medical history to ensure that any allergens causing symptoms are included in the allergy drops, even if a particular allergen does not produce a positive test result.
Do Allergy Tests Hurt?
Fortunately, modern allergy testing is virtually painless. Our skin tests do not require needles and cause only mild, momentary itching or minor skin irritation for some patients. The testing process is well tolerated, even by children and adults with sensitive skin, and most people describe it as feeling more like light pressure than pain. Because the test is performed on the surface of the skin, it provides a quick, comfortable evaluation of allergens without significant discomfort, helping us achieve an accurate diagnosis within minutes.
Side Effects of Allergy Testing
The allergy skin testing we perform using the multi-pressure device is extremely safe. The skin may develop a small, temporary localized allergic reaction at the application site, which can cause mild itching for a few hours. In very rare cases, a more serious systemic allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may occur, especially in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to food, insect stings, or medications. Our Allergy Center is fully equipped to treat this immediately if it occurs.
Most patients are able to return to work or school right away, and test results are available quickly, allowing us to begin developing an effective treatment plan.
Allergy Testing for Children
The only requirements for children undergoing allergy testing are the ability to sit still and understand the allergy testing process. This varies from child to child, but most can comfortably complete skin testing by age 3. If they are too young to undergo skin testing, we can perform a blood test (RAST) to measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels or create customized allergy drops based on their symptoms, medical history, and known allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
What to Avoid Prior to Allergy Testing
Before allergy testing, our office will provide you with a detailed list of medications that must be stopped before testing, along with how long they should be discontinued, to ensure accurate test results. These may include antihistamines, certain antidepressants, some nasal sprays, and other medications that could interfere with skin testing and reduce the visibility of allergic reactions. Patients must also stop taking beta blockers for two days before testing, as these medications can make the testing unsafe. However, patients can safely continue taking beta blockers while undergoing allergy drop therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information on allergy testing using skin tests or blood tests, or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (512) 601-0303 today! Sinus & Snoring Specialists serves Austin, TX and surrounding areas.
Austin Allergy Testing — FAQs
Can allergy testing help identify the cause of chronic sinusitis?
Yes. Allergy testing can determine whether allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander are triggering chronic sinusitis, sinus pressure, or recurring infections, allowing your doctor to create a treatment plan that specifically targets these symptoms.
What is the difference between skin tests and blood tests for allergies?
Skin tests measure how the skin reacts to different allergens, while blood tests evaluate immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the body. Both methods provide reliable test results and help achieve an accurate diagnosis based on your medical history and symptoms. Skin testing, when possible, is considered the more accurate method.
Can allergy testing detect food or drug allergies?
Yes. Skin and blood tests can help identify food allergies.
Can allergy symptoms affect breathing or trigger asthma?
Absolutely. An allergic reaction can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or asthma flare-ups when the immune system overreacts to allergens, making allergy testing essential for patients with respiratory symptoms.
How accurate are allergy skin tests for identifying allergens?
Modern skin tests, including our skin prick test, are highly accurate and can identify allergens responsible for itchy eyes, runny nose, swelling, rash, or other skin symptoms, providing fast and reliable test results within minutes.
Can adults develop new allergies later in life?
Yes. Adults can develop new allergies at any age due to changes in the immune system, exposure to new allergens, or underlying diseases, making allergy testing helpful even if symptoms appear out of nowhere.
Can allergy testing help determine the cause of skin conditions like eczema or rashes?
Yes, allergy testing can identify allergens that trigger eczema, rashes, itching, or other skin symptoms, helping your physician determine whether an allergic reaction is contributing to flare-ups.
How do we determine which allergens to test for?
Our physicians have developed a comprehensive panel of allergens, including food allergens, for us to use for our skin allergy test.
Can allergy testing help with chronic throat symptoms or post‑nasal drip?
Yes, allergic rhinitis can cause throat irritation, post‑nasal drip, coughing, and other symptoms, and allergy testing helps identify the allergens responsible so your treatment can target the root cause.
Is allergy testing safe for patients with a history of severe reactions?
Yes, allergy testing is extremely safe, even for patients with a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Skin tests use only tiny amounts of allergens, and our Allergy Center is fully equipped to manage any unexpected allergic reaction. Additionally, we offer blood testing as an alternative.