Allergy testing

Find the Actual Cause of Your Sinus Condition

If you’re reacting to allergens, how can you thoroughly enjoy each day?

Allergies can significantly impact daily comfort and energy levels. Identifying your specific triggers is the first step toward effective management and improved well-being.

For many sufferers of chronic or recurrent sinusitis (sinus infections) or chronic nasal congestion, allergies are a primary concern. Because of this, allergy testing has exploded in popularity to help those with sinus conditions rise above their symptoms and get the treatment they desperately seek.

However, the rise in allergy testing has led many providers to overlook the importance of providing a comprehensive exam that can determine the root of a sinus issue.

Find out about Allergy Treatment Options
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What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is the process of learning what allergens your body has an allergic reaction to, and the severity of that reaction. Common allergens tested in an allergy test include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites. Tests are administered by an allergy specialist through a “skin prick” or one of many types of blood tests.

A skin prick test can test up to 60 allergens by pricking your skin with a small amount of that substance. Your skin’s reaction can reveal if your body is allergic to that allergen. Whether you’re given a skin prick or blood test, an allergy test may not reveal the full picture of your sinus health.

A comprehensive sinus and allergy discovery process should include the following:

  • Asking for your entire list of symptoms

  • A full exam with CT scan

  • Allergy test recommendation

  • Conducting allergy tests

  • Discussing the results and treatment options with you

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The Risks of Having Allergy Testing Outside of Your ENT’s Office

There has been a rise in allergy testing. Testing locations are popping up around the country, and those believed to be suffering from sinus conditions are being referred to a testing location instead of visiting with their Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor to receive a full exam.

Without a full exam, the cause of a sinus condition may be missed. Regardless of the results of an allergy test, sinus issues, including chronic nasal congestion and chronic sinusitis, are often caused by structural problems such as nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, or a deviated septum. These sinus symptoms will not show up in any allergy test.

Until you undergo a full exam, there is no way to determine if your condition is not caused by an internal structural problem and not allergies. We can offer you a comprehensive sinus and allergy testing and treatment plan that will determine the true cause of your issues and outline how to fix them with our help.

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How Does Allergy Testing Work?

Before an allergy can be treated, it needs to be tested to discover what the allergy is and the severity of your reaction to it. Allergy testing can help identify both common and less typical allergens that may be contributing to your symptoms, allowing for a tailored treatment approach.

While there are several types of allergy tests, no test is perfectly accurate. Testing should be conducted by a trained and intuitive allergy specialist.

The specialist will ask you to list and describe your symptoms, perform an exam, and recommend specific tests to see what allergens you react to and if they are allergies or something less concerning, like a light sensitivity to an allergen. Allergy tests seek to discover what allergens you react to, meaning that you will be exposed to a wide variety of common allergens, and you may have one or several allergic reactions from tests. However, testing uses a very small amount of each substance to minimize the impact.

Healthcare professional conducting an allergy skin test on a patient's arm.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure and Infection

Many treatments are available. If there is evidence of infection, Dr. Trimble may advise that you start using an inhaler or antibiotics regimen. If your sinus problems persist, you may want to consider surgery.

Take our quick, convenient sinus quiz to determine which sinus treatment is the right option for you.

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Are allergies making you miserable? Take proactive steps toward better health and comfort by exploring personalized allergy testing options with our experienced team. Get the allergy testing and diagnosis you need.

Comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist can provide a more complete understanding of your sinus and allergy health, ensuring that all potential causes are considered. Partner with Dr. Monty Trimble and Dallas Breathe Free to ensure you’re receiving the care you want and need from an allergy and ENT specialist that will develop a plan that can help you move past your allergy condition.

Schedule your allergy appointment today!

What our patients are saying...

"I was very comfortable with your friendly staff and the doctors were amazing. The wait was almost non existent which makes for a great first impression. Awesome experience."

- Linda S.

"My recovery was not long and in subsequent visits, I was released in three months. I am happy to report I have not had a sinus infection since December 2012. I am glad I had this procedure and the positive change it made. I commend Dr. Trimble and his staff in the office for their care and support."

- Barbara F.

"Great place. All of the staff are friendly and courteous. Dr. Trimble was great and takes the time to give you that little bit extra. He doesn't just run in look at you and run out. Glad that I found this office. Thank you everyone at Dallas Breathe Free."

- Jason H.

"Very professional and courteous. Dr. Trimble was very thorough and explained what needed to happen. Great experience from start to finish!"

- Kay R.

"The doctor was wonderful. He listened and what he prescribed has worked just as he told me it would. This doctor was recommended to me and now I truly understand why."

- Alex W.

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Please Note: Every patient is unique, and your results may vary.