Diagnosis & Treatment Options
A Southern Nevada Allergy physician will talk you through the diagnostic process, which includes an exam, explanation of symptoms and medical history, as well as pet allergy testing.
The testing often begins with a skin prick test, in which a drop of allergen is applied to your skin and then pricked/scratched with a sterile tool to ensure the allergen gets under the skin. Another option is an intradermal test, which involves a small needle injecting the allergen just beneath the skin. Both tests require observation for raised, red, itchy bumps (called wheals). The size of the wheal correlates to your sensitivity to that particular allergen.
Some patients are not good candidates for skin testing due to their young age or skin issues that make the results difficult to accurately interpret. For these people, a blood test is the preferred pet allergy testing method. Blood will be drawn and then tested for pet-specific antibodies.
Our highly trained allergists have considerable experience diagnosing pet allergies and crafting treatment plans to manage symptoms. If you learn that you are allergic to animal dander and would like to keep pets in your home, they will discuss lifestyle strategies, medications, and immunotherapy options that may mean you can keep your four-legged family members after all.