Do you have an allergic reaction? Maybe it’s related to something you touched, ate, or inhaled? If you’re looking for the proper treatment through allergy testing, an allergist can help. Let’s learn what allergies are and where you can go in to find the best on-site lab facility if you are located in North Richlands Hills, TX.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are the immune system’s overreaction to harmless substances in our surroundings. These may include:
- Pollen and mold
- Animal dander
- Foods (nuts, dairy, wheat, peanuts)
- Fragrances
- Indoor and outdoor pollution
- Insect stings
- Medicines, such as antibiotics
As your body contacts these things through touch, inhalation, or ingestion, your immune system floods your body with chemicals called histamines. Histamines cause the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction–itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, hives, wheezing, headaches, sore throat, coughing, watery eyes, and more.
Regrettably, while symptoms may be bothersome and mild, others can be debilitating and even life-threatening (anaphylactic). So, it’s best to identify the things which trigger your allergies and then avoid them if possible. When avoidance isn’t possible or simply doesn’t work, you may need allergy testing at a lab facility.
What Does Allergy Testing Involve?
Allergy testing involves a physical exam and review of your allergy symptoms by your on-site health care provider. Your provider may treat your symptoms right away with antihistamines, inhaled medications, or something else. He or she may give you information to your primary care physician or your child’s pediatrician so you can determine a long-term allergy treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
More specifically, on-site allergy testing at our urgent care center will tell you and your provider what your body overreacts to. Skin prick testing is very accurate and is the most frequently used way to pinpoint allergic triggers.
To do skin prick tests, your provider will use fine needles to introduce tiny amounts of possible allergens under your skin. Usually, the skin pricks are placed on the back or forearm. After a few minutes, the urgent care physician reads the results. Positive allergy reactions are raised, red itchy bumps which develop around the injection sites. These wheals usually resolve within a short period.
Is There an On-site Lab Test Facility Near Me?
At EMC Express Care in North Richlands Hills, TX, we have a lab test facility which offers same-day allergy testing along with a full range of diagnostics. You and your provider will receive the treatment information you need quickly. Our test list also includes blood work, urine analysis, digital X-rays, COVID-19, vision/hearing, employment drug testing, and more.
Call us at (817) 503-8800 to learn more, or simply walk in if you or a loved one is experiencing an allergic reaction. We are open seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm.
