Allergies are caused by certain things which trigger the immune system and they are known as allergens. These allergens can be spotted in certain tests done by allergist specialists. These tests are performed to diagnose what type of allergy you are suffering from. Here are some things you should avoid when you are going for an allergy test.

Avoid Going On An Empty Stomach

It’s never a good idea to go on an allergy test on an empty stomach. You never know how long you have to wait for your turn and some people can get queasy when they are having their blood drawn out. So, it’s important that you eat a good meal before going to the allergy clinic.

Also, drinking a lot of water before the test will ensure that your blood is not too thick and the platelets are not too high, or else, this can cause an alteration in the results. So, eating a healthy meal and keeping yourself hydrated will get you through the test with much ease and comfort.

Which Medicines To Avoid Before Your Test?

Here are some medications you should avoid before the allergy test. You would want to take a professional opinion from your doctor about this as well. In any case, you will be required to cease the use of any type of medication, which are mentioned below, two weeks before the test. This will ensure better results and you can clearly see which allergen is causing you problems and severe allergic reactions.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the biggest culprit which can alter your allergy test results. You need to stop taking any antihistamines, because you don’t want the allergen to be suppressed when it’s time for the test. You want the allergen to show all of its effects so that the test can detect it and therefore, come up with a solid diagnosis.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are also not good to take before an allergy test. Although they don’t mess around with your body as much as antihistamines do, there are certain relaxants in the antidepressants that can alter your allergy blood test.

Reflux Medicine

Any medicine which is used to jump start your system again after having problems are reflux medications. These include gastric medicine, heartburn medications and blood pressure medication. These can alter with the texture and composition of the blood and they can alter the allergens in your body too. So, they are not recommended to be consumed before an allergy test.

Steroids

Steroids are never good for you to take, especially if you are going for a skin allergy test. It will completely diminish the effect of the allergen on the body and you will be left at square one again, trying to figure out what your allergy is. Try not to take steroids at least 2 to 3 weeks before you plan to go for an allergy test.

Fever Medicine

Cough and fever medicine also contain antihistamines and these shouldn’t be taken before an allergy test. When going for a test, you want to make sure that your symptoms are elevated, so that there can be ease in diagnosis of your allergies.

Sleep Medicine

Sleep medicine can also alter the test results, so it’s best if you stop taking these a few days before your test, so that all of the sleep medications can be flushed out from your system.

Overexposure Of The Sun

If you are going to be tested for skin allergies, then make sure that you are avoiding too much exposure from the sun. If your skin is already sensitive, then it will be hard for the doctor to come up with a diagnosis. So, keep the sun at bay.

Applying Topical Creams

Your skin should be free of any topical creams or lotions before you go for an allergy test. There shouldn’t be a speck of anything external on your skin or it will alter the test results.

There you have it! If you avoid these things, the test results will not be altered and your allergist Manassas VA will have a clearer diagnosis of things which are causing these severe allergic reactions. This will help in prescribing the right medication to treat and prevent allergies.