Diagnosing Allergies

Many allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, or watery eyes are easy to recognize after exposure to certain triggers like pets, pollen, or dust. However, allergies don’t always appear in obvious ways. Some symptoms can be chronic, subtle, or mistaken for other conditions.

Because of this, self-diagnosing allergies can lead to unnecessary avoidance of foods, medications, or environments. Professional testing helps identify your specific allergies and ensures you receive the most effective treatment.

An allergist is the specialist trained to accurately diagnose and treat your allergic symptoms. Learn more about the steps they take to reduce your symptoms and give you a better quality of life.

Step 1 – Medical History and Physical Exam

Your visit to the allergist will begin with a detailed history and physical exam. Your provider will ask questions to better understand your symptoms and overall health. This helps determine whether allergy testing is appropriate.

You may be asked:

What symptoms are you experiencing, and how long have you had them?
When do your symptoms occur — seasonally or year-round? Indoors or outdoors?
Do your symptoms worsen at home, at work, or during certain times of day?
Does your family have a history of allergies or asthma?
Do you have any other health conditions?

If your clinical history and symptoms suggest allergies, your provider may recommend allergy skin testing to identify your specific allergic triggers.

Step 2 – Skin Prick and Intradermal Testing

Skin testing is performed in-office and usually takes 60–90 minutes. During the test, small amounts of common allergens (pollen, pet dander, molds, etc.) are placed on the skin using a gentle, plastic-tipped device. The number of tests varies and are determined by your provider based on your exam. The test area is typically the upper back, so please wear clothing that allows easy access.

You will also receive two controls:

Positive (+) control – confirms your skin can respond normally.
Negative (–) control – ensures any reaction is truly allergic, not just skin sensitivity.

After application, you’ll wait about 15–20 minutes for results. Allergic reactions appear as small, raised “mosquito bite-like” areas called wheals, surrounded by redness, or flare. These reactions usually fade within an hour, though mild irritation may last up to 24 hours.

In some cases, your provider may also perform intradermal testing, which involves injecting a tiny amount of allergen under the skin (usually on the upper arm) to further clarify results.

Step 3 – Discussing Results and Treatment Options

After testing, your provider will review the results with you and discuss your personalized treatment plan. This may include:

Avoidance strategies for identified allergens
Symptomatic medications (such as antihistamines or nasal sprays)
Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) to reduce long-term sensitivity

When left untreated, allergic rhinitis and related conditions not only diminish quality of life due to fatigue, headaches, and annoying symptoms – untreated allergies can also lead to chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of developing other conditions like asthma, sinus infections, and ear infections. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve daily comfort and overall well-being.