Dr. Curt ChaffinQ: Does a positive allergy test mean that I am allergic?
A: A positive result does not always mean that you are allergic to that allergen. An allergist will carefully select which tests to perform and correlate these results with your clinical history. This will determine which results apply to your allergic condition.
Allergies are very common, affecting more than 50 million people in the United States. Finding out what you are allergic to is an important first step to effectively manage your allergic condition and to help find asthma triggers. As we look toward spring, many of you may conclude that this is the year you get your allergies taken care of before you are miserable.
Allergy tests completed by a board-certified allergist are convenient and accurate. When combined with a detailed medical history, allergy testing can help find the specific cause of your allergic reactions. The tests help find allergies to pollen, molds, dust mites, animal allergens, insect stings, foods and some medicines.
Allergists are specialists trained in the best methods for testing and treating allergies, as well as in treating asthma and immune disorders. Adults and young children can be tested for allergies.
- Curt Chaffin, M.D., The Allergy and Asthma of Galen Group; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society