Question 1

What is Allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances called allergens. They are caused by elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and eosinophils responding to specific triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, foods, or insect stings. The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures eosinophil counts that increase significantly during allergic responses.

Question 2

What causes allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reactions are caused by your immune system mistakenly identifying harmless substances as dangerous invaders. When you encounter an allergen like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, certain foods, insect stings, or medications, your body produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and releases histamine and other chemicals. This immune response triggers the classic allergy symptoms you experience, from sneezing and itching to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important test for allergic reactions because it measures eosinophil levels in your blood. Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells that surge in response to allergens, and elevated counts directly indicate an active allergic response. For suspected environmental mold allergies, the Phoma betae IgG test is essential as it detects specific IgG antibodies against this common fungal allergen. Together, these tests identify both general allergic activity and specific environmental triggers, helping you understand exactly what your body reacts to.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurring symptoms like sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, nasal congestion, or digestive issues after exposure to certain foods or environments. Testing is especially important if you have unexplained respiratory symptoms, chronic sinus problems, or if you have had a severe reaction that caused swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Getting tested helps identify your specific triggers so you can avoid them and prevent future reactions from escalating.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reaction symptoms vary from mild to life-threatening depending on the allergen and your sensitivity. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, and eczema. You might also experience swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. Severe reactions called anaphylaxis can cause difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure requiring immediate emergency treatment.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can develop allergic reactions, but your risk increases if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema. Children are particularly susceptible, though many outgrow certain food allergies by adulthood. People with asthma face higher risks of severe allergic reactions, especially to respiratory allergens. Having one type of allergy increases your likelihood of developing others. Environmental factors like pollution, tobacco smoke exposure, and early childhood infections also influence your susceptibility to developing allergies throughout your life.

Question 7

What happens if allergic reactions are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated allergic reactions can progressively worsen with repeated exposure to allergens. Chronic allergies can lead to persistent sinusitis, ear infections, asthma development or worsening, sleep disruption, and significantly reduced quality of life. Ongoing inflammation from untreated allergies may cause nasal polyps or permanent changes to your airways. Most seriously, ignoring severe allergic reactions increases your risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death within minutes if not treated immediately with epinephrine.

Question 8

Can allergic reactions be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are highly effective for diagnosing allergic reactions by measuring immune system markers that indicate allergic responses. The eosinophil count reveals elevated levels of white blood cells that respond to allergens, while specific IgE and IgG antibody tests identify exactly which substances trigger your immune system. Blood tests offer advantages over skin tests because they are not affected by antihistamines, pose no risk of triggering a reaction during testing, and can be done even if you have severe eczema or other skin conditions that make skin testing difficult.

Question 9

How are allergic reactions treated?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reaction treatment depends on severity and ranges from avoidance strategies to emergency intervention. Mild allergies are managed with antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and decongestants. Moderate allergies may require prescription medications, leukotriene inhibitors, or allergy shots (immunotherapy) to gradually desensitize your immune system. Severe allergies require carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times for emergency use. Your treatment plan should be customized based on your specific allergens, symptom severity, and lifestyle factors identified through comprehensive testing.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with identifying and avoiding your specific allergens through proper testing. For environmental allergies, use HEPA air filters, keep windows closed during high pollen counts, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and reduce indoor humidity to prevent mold growth. Remove carpeting and use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to minimize dust mites. For food allergies, carefully read ingredient labels and inform restaurants of your allergies. Consider immunotherapy to reduce sensitivity over time, and if you have severe allergies, always carry emergency epinephrine and wear a medical alert bracelet.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with allergic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies can complement medical treatment for mild allergic symptoms. Saline nasal rinses flush out allergens and reduce inflammation in nasal passages. Local honey may help build tolerance to local pollen, though scientific evidence is mixed. Quercetin, a natural antihistamine found in onions and apples, can stabilize cells that release histamine. Probiotics support immune system balance and may reduce allergic responses. Butterbur extract shows promise for hay fever symptoms. However, natural remedies should not replace emergency medication for severe allergies, and you should consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Allergic Reactions Blood Test

What is Allergic reactions?

What causes allergic reactions?

What is the best test for allergic reactions?

When should I get tested for allergic reactions?

References

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