Private MD News

Ah spring, the time for allergy testing

Category: Allergy Testing

With parts of the country finally experiencing some warmer weather, it may be a good time for parents to schedule their children for allergy testing to ensure optimal health during a season known for running noses and watery eyes from various buds.

Dr. Lyndon Mansfield, an allergy specialist, told the El Paso Times people with seasonal allergies can have varied symptoms from mild to ones so severe "that they interrupt normal activities."

"People with mild disease can try some of the over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamines that have become very inexpensive," he said.
However, children and adults with serious allergies, and who may not realize it, may need specific medications to relieve their symptoms.

"It has such a direct impact at work," Mansfield told the news provider. "It's been shown to interfere with learning at school."

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates one in four people suffer from allergies or asthma and that about 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies.

Lab tests, some of which can be done online, can determine a person's allergy and provide life-saving information about any serious conditions that may need specific care.