Environmental Allergy Testing
Environmental allergies happen when the immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen or pet dander. Symptoms typically include sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose, along with itchy or watery eyes. Environmental allergy testing can help determine the allergens that may be causing your symptoms. Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates offers environmental allergy testing for children and adults throughout the Houston area.
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When Is Environmental Allergy Testing Recommended?
Testing may be appropriate when symptoms point to an environmental allergy or when the cause is uncertain. Not everyone with allergy-like symptoms requires testing. Our allergy specialists first look at your symptoms, health history, exposure patterns, and exam findings.
- Repeated sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Seasonal symptoms
- Symptoms around pets, dust, or mold
- Trouble sleeping or fatigue affecting daily activities
- Symptoms that continue despite avoidance or over-the-counter treatment
Common Environmental Allergens We Test For
Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies can come from several sources, and exposure often changes with the season:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Seasonal exposure
Dust Mite Allergies
Dust mites are commonly found throughout the home, especially in these areas:
- Bedding
- Carpets
- Upholstered furniture
- Household dust
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are caused by proteins found in an animal’s skin, saliva, or fur:
- Cat allergens
- Dog allergens
- Pet dander
- Allergens from other animals
Mold Allergies
Mold can grow both indoors and outdoors, and it thrives in poorly ventilated areas:
- Indoor mold: found in bathrooms, basements, and around leaky pipes
- Outdoor mold: found in piles of leaves, mulch, and compost
- Common triggers: damp carpets, poor ventilation, and standing water
- Exposure risk: airborne spores can trigger allergy symptoms when inhaled
Any Questions About Environmental Allergy Testing?
Our Environmental Allergy Testing Process
Our environmental allergy testing procedure starts with the assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and potential allergens for which tests might be required.
Medical History Review
Prior to testing, our allergists will inquire about your current symptoms and when they started. They also ask about your seasonal patterns, your family history, previous allergies and anything you may have been exposed to that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Symptom and Trigger Assessment
Our providers look for patterns between a patient’s symptoms and possible environmental triggers in their daily life. This assessment includes checking for seasonal symptoms, indoor versus outdoor patterns, and reactions around pets. Exposure to dust or mold, along with any symptoms tied to work, is also checked.
Skin Allergy Testing
During skin testing, small amounts of chosen allergens are placed on the skin, and the spot is watched for a reaction. This method can help point to specific allergens a patient may be sensitive to. The results are always interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s history and symptoms.
Blood Allergy Testing
If skin testing is not appropriate, we may recommend blood testing. This test detects the presence of IgE antibodies in the blood related to specific allergens. It is a useful alternative for the identification of allergen sensitivities when skin testing is not feasible.
Understanding Your Results
A positive result shows that the body has reacted to a certain allergen. But a positive result doesn’t always mean that allergen causes every symptom a patient has. Our specialists read results alongside symptoms, exposure history, and a physical exam. We will explain which triggers seem most relevant to your case.
What Happens After Environmental Allergy Testing?
Allergen Avoidance
- Reducing exposure to known allergens
- Managing indoor allergens
- Limiting time outside during high-pollen periods
- Practical tips for the home
Medication Management
- Antihistamines when needed
- Nasal medications when needed
- Other allergy treatments as prescribed
- Treatment based on symptoms and clinical needs
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy injections can help your body to gradually develop tolerance to specific allergens. For some people, there may be an improvement in their symptoms, but everyone reacts differently. Depending on your evaluation, you may also qualify for sublingual immunotherapy.
Ongoing Allergy Management
- Monitoring symptoms
- Reviewing how treatment is working
- Adjusting treatment when needed
- Managing symptoms through the seasons
- Follow-up visits
Environmental Allergy Testing for Children and Adults
Environmental allergy testing may be right for both children and adults with symptoms that suggest an allergy. Each evaluation is personal, and testing methods are matched to the patient’s age. Providers review symptoms and possible triggers closely before suggesting next steps. For younger patients, parents or caregivers stay involved throughout the process. We then build treatment plans around the findings specific to that child.
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Why Patients Trust Us for Testing Services
Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates has provided allergy and asthma care for more than 40 years. Our approach centers on personal care, with services based on each patient’s own health needs. We treat children and adults, with environmental allergy testing offered across our Houston-area locations.
We work with major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare, and accept Medicaid and CHIP. Patients without insurance can turn to our SWAAA Round-Up plan for flexible payment options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Neither method is better for every patient, since each one serves a different purpose. Skin testing often gives faster results, while blood testing may be used when skin testing won’t work. We will suggest the method that fits your case.
We may ask you to stop certain medications, like antihistamines, before testing. This is because some medications can affect the results and make them harder to read.
Yes, environmental allergy testing can help spot sensitivities to cats, dogs, and other pets. Both skin testing and blood testing can be used to check for these sensitivities. Our allergists decide which approach works best for you.
Schedule Your Testing Appointment Today
If ongoing symptoms are affecting your daily life, environmental allergy testing can help find out the reason. Contact Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates to schedule your appointment today.
