How Does Allergy Testing Work?
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) is a great option for a lot of people. Sometimes, even on daily allergy medicine, it doesn't relieve your symptoms. You or your kids may still be sneezing and wheezing.
To be tested for allergies, you must stop all allergy medicine for a week before the test so the antihistamine doesn't mask the results.
To be tested for allergies, you must stop all allergy medicine for a week before the test so the antihistamine doesn't mask the results.
Usually, the office will pick an off - season time for the testing. The first time we tried allergy testing, Son #1 couldn't go a whole week without an antihistamine. He actually broke out in hives because his allergies were so bad, so we scheduled the next try for November.
The kids start by laying on their stomach while our Wonderful Shot Nurse starts the test. She marks multiple rows and columns on the kids back with pen, that shows her where to administer the serum. It's not a needle, but a sharp scratch on the back that introduces the serum under the skin.
The kids start by laying on their stomach while our Wonderful Shot Nurse starts the test. She marks multiple rows and columns on the kids back with pen, that shows her where to administer the serum. It's not a needle, but a sharp scratch on the back that introduces the serum under the skin.
The kids need to lay still for 20 minutes - not easy with an itchy back. We would usually have the kids bring their Gameboy to keep them busy.
The Wonderful Shot Nurse checks every 5 minutes, to make sure the kids aren't having a reaction and to see how big the welts are. Each column is for different allergens (animal dander, dust, different trees/bushes/grass, etc). She can tell what my son is allergic to by just looking at column and number.
The Wonderful Shot Nurse checks every 5 minutes, to make sure the kids aren't having a reaction and to see how big the welts are. Each column is for different allergens (animal dander, dust, different trees/bushes/grass, etc). She can tell what my son is allergic to by just looking at column and number.
After 20 minutes, she measures the welts - the size of the welts determine what they're allergic to. Then a serum is mixed up specifically for that person.
The best part of the allergy test is when she rubs their back with an anti-itch cream.
Once the serum comes in, you start allergy shots twice a week (one injection in each arm or 4 injections per week).
Once the serum comes in, you start allergy shots twice a week (one injection in each arm or 4 injections per week).
It's important to 20-30 minutes after each injection. Since you are being injected with what you are allergic to, there is a possibility of anaphylaxis. You monitor the size of the welts on your arm, that determines when you are able to move to once a week injections.
It's a long process, it takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years. But having your body slowly build up a tolerance to what you are allergic to is worth it.
It's a long process, it takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years. But having your body slowly build up a tolerance to what you are allergic to is worth it.
Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting. See the link below for more info.
ReplyDelete#shots
www.ufgop.org
This is a really old post, thankfully my posts have improved since then and I have links in all of the posts now.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the blog, I hope you enjoy it! :)