Allergy screenings are simple, effective tests that help determine what you are allergic to, so you can take control of your health. These screenings are crucial for managing both common and complex allergies, from seasonal pollen to food and medication triggers.
Frequent bouts of sneezing, itching, and congestion could all be symptoms of an allergy. They can significantly affect your energy levels and overall well-being, causing discomfort and frustration. However, identifying the cause is the first step toward relief.
At CAM Medical Group, we offer a range of allergy testing options tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis. Once your allergy triggers are identified, we discuss personalized treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, mistakenly identifying it as a threat.
These substances, called allergens, are usually benign. However, in people with allergies, they trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation and allergy symptoms. Here is what happens:
While histamine helps protect the body in normal immune responses, in people with allergies, it causes uncomfortable symptoms that can affect the skin, respiratory system, and digestive tract.
Since allergies can affect different parts of your body, understanding what triggers them is crucial for effective management.
Allergens are substances that can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them. They can be found in the air, food, or surfaces and lead to different types of allergic responses.
There are three main types of allergens:
Allergy symptoms can vary based on the type of allergen and how your body reacts to it. Some symptoms are mild, while others can be more intense and disruptive.
Here are some common signs of an allergic reaction:
In some cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), like throat swelling or difficulty breathing, can also happen. Intense allergic responses require immediate medical attention.
Allergy tests help determine what substances trigger your symptoms by measuring how your body reacts to different allergens.
During allergy testing, your body is exposed to small amounts of specific allergens (which may be identifiable from your symptoms) to measure your immune system’s response.
These tests help pinpoint the cause of your allergies, allowing for more effective management and treatment. By understanding your specific allergy triggers, you can take steps to reduce exposure and find the right treatment options to relieve your symptoms.
For many people, allergies are not just about uncomfortable symptoms, they can also cause ongoing discomfort and fatigue. It is important to get an allergy screening if you are experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life or seem to be getting worse.
When your immune system is constantly reacting to allergens, it puts stress on your body, making you feel exhausted even if you are getting enough rest. Persistent congestion, poor sleep, and allergy inflammation can drain your energy, affecting your ability to focus and go about daily activities.
Identifying your allergy triggers through allergy testing can help you find effective ways to manage symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Here are some signs it may be time to consider an allergy screening:
Ignoring or mistaking allergy symptoms for something else can lead to ongoing discomfort and increased sensitivity over time.
Allergy screening is the first step in managing your symptoms effectively and finding ways to reduce their impact on your daily life.
Allergy screening involves combining different testing methods to get a complete picture of your allergies. At CAM Medical Group, we provide the following allergy tests to accurately identify the substances that may trigger your symptoms.
The skin prick test is one of the most common and reliable ways to identify airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that helps identify immediate allergic reactions.
During the test, small amounts of allergen extract are placed on your skin, typically on the forearm or back. Our provider then uses a tiny, sterile lancet (a small tool used to make a shallow puncture in the skin) to gently prick your skin, allowing the allergen to enter the skin's surface.
If you are allergic to a substance, a small red, itchy bump (wheal) will appear within 15 to 20 minutes.
This test is safe, effective, and usually completed within a single visit. While mild itching or irritation may occur at the test site, these symptoms fade quickly.
If a skin prick test is inconclusive, our team may recommend an intradermal test for a more detailed evaluation.
This method involves injecting a small amount of allergen beneath your skin’s surface using a fine needle. The injection site, typically on the forearm or upper arm, is then monitored for any reaction, such as redness or swelling, which indicates an allergy.
Intradermal testing is often used to detect allergies that may not show up on a standard skin prick test, including certain drug allergies like penicillin sensitivity. Since this test introduces allergens directly into the skin, it can provide more precise results in cases where other tests are unclear.
Our team ensures your comfort throughout the procedure and carefully monitors your reaction so that the process is safe and effective.
We offer allergy blood testing for patients who cannot undergo skin testing or have complex allergies. This test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood, which are produced when the immune systems react to allergens.
Therefore, elevated levels of IgE mean your body is most likely having an allergic response.
During the test, our provider will take a small blood sample from your arm. In the lab, allergens are introduced to the sample to assess how much IgE your body produces in response to each allergen. There are two types of measurements:
Unlike skin tests, blood testing does not require direct exposure to allergens, making it a safe option for people who:
The results of blood tests are not immediate and may take a few days. We ensure you receive accurate and timely answers for your allergy management.
An oral challenge test provides the most accurate diagnosis for food and medication allergies. This test helps determine whether you have a true allergy or if a certain food or medication can be safely reintroduced into your diet.
During the test, you will consume small amounts of the suspected allergen in gradually increasing doses. We monitor you closely for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing.
Since allergic reactions can be unpredictable, this test is always conducted under strict medical supervision to ensure your safety.
If no reaction occurs, we can confidently rule out an allergy. However, if symptoms develop, our team will assess the response and provide appropriate treatments.
Once your allergens have been identified, we can discuss the most effective treatment options for your case. Managing allergies involves reducing exposure to your triggers and using medication or specific therapies to control symptoms.
Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your test results and allergy severity.
The first step in managing allergies is minimizing exposure to allergens. Our providers will guide you on practical ways to limit contact with allergens. This may include changes in your home environment, dietary adjustments, or protective measures like wearing masks during high pollen seasons.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend medications to help manage your allergies. These include:
For patients with persistent or severe allergies, allergy immunotherapy (such as allergy shots or sublingual drops) may be a treatment option.
Since immunotherapy requires specialized care, our physicians can evaluate your condition and refer you to an allergy specialist if the treatment is appropriate.
We also provide guidance on using epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) and recognizing emergency symptoms for patients at risk of severe allergic reactions.
At CAM Medical Group, we understand how allergies can impact your daily life. Our team provides convenient allergy screening and personalized treatment options to help you manage your allergies. Whether it is seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or medication reactions, we can help.
We are committed to making your experience as easy as possible, so our team is proud to offer bilingual support in English and Spanish. For your convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling options, including Saturday hours and walk-in availability.
To schedule a consultation, walk into our clinic on W Wilson Ave or N Western Ave in Chicago. Alternatively, you can call us or request an appointment online.
