Allergist in Hershey, PA

Allergy Testing Options

Allergies can significantly impact the quality of your life and your overall lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for a well-known hearing doctor serving Hershey, PA or a trusted allergy specialist, Moffit & Mesaros is the clear choice. At Moffit & Mesaros, we offer comprehensive testing and diagnostics to ensure each of our patients receives the thorough care they deserve. Allergy testing is a process that allows us to determine which allergens, or substances, trigger allergic or autoimmune responses in the body. 

Some of the most common allergens that are known triggers among vast swaths of the population today include:

• Foods (certain foods from dairy to meat and certain spices may cause flare-ups in individuals)
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen (this is one of the most common triggers in our patients, seasonally and chronically)

At Moffit & Mesaros, we offer multiple types of testing for allergies, including blood testing, skin prick testing, and food allergy testing. 

Here’s a bit about each of the processes we currently provide:

• Blood testing: Blood testing involves measuring allergen-specific antibodies throughout your blood. During this test, we scan for immunoglobulin E (IgE). During an allergic response, the body produces IgE antibodies as it responds to a particular and specific allergen. The higher the amount of IgE in the blood during an allergy test, the more likely you are to be experiencing an active allergic reaction.
• Skin prick testing: Skin prick tests are common and are often considered the most affordable, accessible, and accurate option. Skin prick tests help determine which allergens trigger responses in your body visibly and from the exterior of the body.
• Food allergy testing: Both blood tests and oral food tests are used to determine which allergens trigger reactions in the body. Consumption of various foods may be required to complete this test, depending on your symptoms and the severity of your allergic response(s).

What Are The Side Effects of Allergy Medications?

Allergy medications can be effective, but they may cause side effects depending on the type and individual response. Common side effects include:

• Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, diphenhydramine): Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or difficulty urinating (especially with older, first-generation types).
  
• Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine): Increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and elevated blood pressure.
  
• Nasal Sprays (e.g., corticosteroids like fluticasone): Nasal dryness, irritation, nosebleeds, or sore throat.
  
• Leukotriene Modifiers (e.g., montelukast): Headache, stomach upset, and in rare cases, mood changes or behavioral side effects.