Allergy Testing in Katy, Texas

Before the team at Texas ENT Specialists begins treatment planning for your allergies, we will first schedule an appointment for allergy testing in Katy. Understanding which allergens trigger your symptoms is essential and will allow your doctor to address your unique immunotherapy needs. When you visit our office in Katy, you will feel safe, informed, and cared for throughout every step of this journey. Our providers can test for drug allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and more, so do not hesitate to contact us today.

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Allergy Testing with Texas ENT Specialists

When you attend your allergy testing appointment, you will first receive a control test that ensures your skin will respond accurately to the tests. If we observe an abnormal response, it likely means you still have residual medications in your body and your appointment will have to be rescheduled. Otherwise, if you have a normal response, your arm will be injected with small amounts of allergens. We will then wait about 1 to 2 hours to observe any potential reactions you may have.

Ensuring You Are Prepared for Your Allergy Tests

If you are taking any beta-blockers for conditions like glaucoma or high blood pressure, you will have to consult with the prescribing doctor to find out if you can safely refrain from taking these medications for a week before testing. You cannot allergy injections while on beta-blockers. In some cases, you may be able to switch to a different class of medications that allows you to take your allergy test and, once complete, you can resume your usual medications.

Which Conditions Are Tested with Allergy Testing

Allergies to dust
Allergies to pollen
Other allergies caused by elements in the environment

Why Test for Allergies?

You can know for sure which allergens are causing your symptoms
It only takes a few hours to complete
Giving patients the knowledge necessary for more effective treatment

The Allergy Testing Timeline at Texas ENT Specialists in Katy

1 Week Before Testing

Ahead of your allergy testing appointment, our team will send you a list of medications you will have to avoid before your test, including over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, and herbal supplements. If you have any questions about the medications on this list, contact our office. You should also inform us if you have a history of respiratory complaints or are currently suffering from a respiratory illness.

1 Day Before Testing

Men or patients with hair on their arms will have to shave the area 12 hours before testing. Do not shave your arms on the morning of your test since this could potentially irritate the area and prevent us from administering the allergy tests.

The Day of The Test

Take a shower on the morning of your test
Do not consume any beverages with caffeine
Do not apply scented products on your skin, such as cologne or perfume
Do not smoke or use any other tobacco products four hours before your appointment

Your allergy test may take a total of 1 to 2 hours to complete, much of which is spent waiting for the proper time to observe any potential reactions you may have to the injections. You may want to bring a book, tablet, or a magazine to enjoy while you wait for your test results.

For easier access, you should wear something that is either short-sleeved or has loose enough sleeves that they can easily slide over your shoulders. If you have sleeve tattoos or, for any other reason, cannot have these tests performed on your arms, wear a pair of loose-fitting shorts that can slide past your upper thighs.

If you are bringing your child in for allergy testing and they are between 5 and 7 years old and have small arms, have them wear loose-fitting shorts.

Before allergy testing begins, you will have to perform a pulmonary lung function test to ensure it is safe to perform these tests. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have asthma or any other lung conditions, or if you use inhaled medications.