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If your puppy has you itching and sneezing without explanation, or you can’t get out of bed when winter turns to spring, allergy testing by your ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) may be right for you. However, if you don’t experience symptoms, and haven’t had a medical exam that points to allergies as a potential culprit, Lincoln’s Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC recommends you skip testing altogether. For those who are unsure or just plain curious, allergy testing is not much more than an unnecessary expense. Your local ENT specialist explains why. 

Allergy Testing 101

Reasons For Allergy Testing 

Patients who experience chronic symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, itchy skin, a runny nose, and wheezing, should visit their doctor for a checkup to determine if allergies may be the cause. If your medical practitioner determines that seasonal allergens like pollen or mold, or household allergens like pet dander or dust mites are probable cause for your symptoms, your ENT’s office may recommend allergy testing. 

lincoln-allergy-testingWhen Allergy Testing Isn’t Necessary 

Without chronic symptoms, proper evaluation, and a professional recommendation, allergy testing is not required. While over-the-counter test kits and drugstore screenings promise to tell you if you have allergies, most nasal and throat doctors find these tools highly unreliable. In fact, doctors feel they do more harm than good, convincing patients to unnecessarily give up their favorite foods, hobbies, or even their pets.

What’s more, allergy testing is too expensive to administer on a whim. For an evaluation that could amount to hundreds of dollars out of a patient’s pocket, it’s important to be sure if testing is right for you. 

If you think you may have allergies but are unsure about your need for allergy testing, call Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC in Lincoln, NE at (402) 488-5600 for an evaluation. They’ll help you determine if allergies are the cause of your discomfort, or what other treatment options may be available. To learn more about their ENT services, visit their website or follow them on Facebook

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