We’re about halfway through February, meaning spring is just around the corner. If the memories from last year’s allergy season still haunt you, it might be a good idea to be proactive about allergies this year. The first step would be to get an allergy test, but you may be wondering if you need to take that step.
You Should Get Allergy Tested If…
Allergy testing may be necessary for you, but it also might not be. Here are some quick pointers on reasons why you might prioritize an allergy test before spring.
You Don’t Know What You’re Allergic To
Ultimately, the reason you make an appointment for an allergy test is to gain clarity into what is causing your uncomfortable symptoms. This is useful information to have, especially as it helps you avoid your allergic triggers in the first place.
Perhaps you don’t know what you’re allergic to, but you have a pretty good guess. You could have an allergy test performed to be certain, but your hunch may be strong enough to make a test unnecessary. Or, if you’ve managed to figure out with certainty what ails you, an allergy test may be redundant.
Your Symptoms Are Severe
Allergy symptoms are always inconvenient and uncomfortable, but some are even more severe. If your allergies appear to cause asthma, chronic sinusitis, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or other symptoms that drastically impede your daily life, then it’s for your safety that you discover the underlying cause.
You Intend to Start (Or Are Interested in Learning More About) Treatment
Having an allergy test is the first step in a long-term allergy management plan, as you and your allergist will be able to use your results to craft a medication regimen and/or immunotherapy schedule. If your goal is to begin an allergy treatment plan with an allergist, then you should definitely schedule an allergy test. Moreover, now is the perfect time to do it, so you can go through the build-up phase of immunotherapy before allergy season starts in earnest.
Also, if you are on the fence about pursuing allergy treatment but want to learn more, you can use the allergy test appointment as an opportunity to learn more about allergy treatment. Testing at least gets the ball rolling and gives you the chance to weigh your options.
How to Get Started
It’s estimated that over one quarter of American adults have seasonal allergies. If you’re one of them and any of the above reasons resonated with you, it’s time to schedule an allergy test. Contact Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy to make an appointment. You can reach out online or by phone. We look forward to helping you on your allergy management journey!