Allergy Testing Specialist

Coleman Primary Care -  - Primary Care

Coleman Primary Care

Primary Care Practice & Internal Medicine located in Sterling, VA

Did you know that allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America? Compassionate internal medicine physician Linda Coleman, MD, and the team at Coleman Primary Care in Sterling, Virginia, provide comprehensive allergy testing and are highly knowledgeable about allergies and allergy triggers. They also offer an in-office pharmacy for your convenience and a range of valuable allergy treatment methods to alleviate your symptoms and give you much-needed relief. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get started.

Allergy Testing Q & A

What are the symptoms of allergies?

You might experience a number of symptoms when you come into contact with an allergen, such as:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Red, watery, swollen eyes
  • Hives or skin rash
  • Face swelling
  • Anaphylaxis 

You might also notice a tingling feeling in your mouth.

What are the most common allergy triggers?

The most common allergy triggers include: 

  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Pollen
  • Animal dander
  • Cockroaches
  • Food allergies
  • Latex
  • Insect sting
  • Medications
  • Food additives 

Allergies can lead to sleep apnea, snoring, and difficulty breathing.

What types of allergy testing are there?

The goal of allergy testing is to identify the allergens that are causing a reaction. Coleman Primary Care offers convenient in-office allergy testing and various services, including medications, skin testing, blood testing, and a food elimination test:

Blood test

A blood test measures antibodies in your blood.

Skin testing

There are two types of skin testing: intradermal skin testing and the pricking method. Intradermal skin testing involves injecting a minor amount of the allergen into the outer layer of your skin to prompt a reaction that can be safely monitored and evaluated. With the pricking method, your Coleman Primary Care provider applies a small extract of allergens to your skin and lightly pricks your skin to allow a gentle exposure to the allergen.

Food elimination test

A food elimination test involves eliminating certain foods from your diet and keeping a food diary where you detail your symptoms and reactions during a certain time period after you eat specific foods.

Your provider discusses the different types of allergy testing in detail during your personal consultation to help you decide what’s best for you. The team at Coleman Primary Care may also recommend pulmonary function tests and asthma and breathing tests to evaluate the functioning of your lungs and respiratory system.

How are allergies treated?

Dr. Coleman can provide helpful medications to treat your allergies and show you how to avoid your allergy triggers. Medications are usually designed to reduce inflammation, prevent allergic reactions, block histamine receptors, or gradually increase your body’s tolerance to the allergens over time.

Take control of your allergies and find relief with top-quality medical care. Call Coleman Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today.