Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition that causes sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. It is caused by immune system overreaction to specific allergens like ragweed pollen, grass pollen, and tree pollen. The Respiratory Allergy Panel specific to your geographic region is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the exact allergens triggering your symptoms.
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Hay fever is caused by your immune system overreacting to harmless environmental allergens like pollen. When you breathe in specific pollens from ragweed, grasses like Timothy or Bermuda, or tree pollens from oak and elm, your body produces IgE antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals cause the inflammation in your nasal passages that leads to sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and congestion.
The Respiratory Allergy Panel specific to your geographic region is the most important test for hay fever because it identifies the exact pollens and allergens triggering your symptoms. For example, the Allergy Evaluation 6 South Central tests for common ragweed, while the Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XI tests for Bermuda grass, common ragweed, and Timothy grass. These blood tests measure specific IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to particular allergens, allowing you to pinpoint which pollens cause your reactions. This information helps you time medications before pollen season, plan outdoor activities, and consider targeted immunotherapy options.
You should get tested if you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, or nasal congestion that occurs seasonally or worsens during specific times of year. Testing is especially helpful if over-the-counter allergy medications are not working well, you want to identify specific triggers to avoid them, or you are considering immunotherapy allergy shots. Getting tested helps you understand exactly which pollens affect you so you can take preventive measures before peak pollen seasons begin.
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What this means
Your test shows a moderate positive reaction to cat dander, indicating your immune system produces IgE antibodies when exposed to cats. This sensitivity likely contributes to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion when you're around cats or in environments where cats have been.
Recommended actions
Avoid direct contact with cats and keep them out of your bedroom if you have one at home
Use HEPA air purifiers in main living spaces to reduce airborne dander
Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum and wash hands after touching cats
Consider discussing antihistamines or allergy immunotherapy with your doctor if avoidance isn't possible
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