Environmental Health and Allergy Center offers a wide range of comprehensive allergy testing to discover causes of your illness.
1. Inhalant Allergy Testing
Also known as respiratory or airborne allergies, occur when an individual's immune system overreacts to substances present in the air that are inhaled into the nose and the lungs. These substances, known as allergens, are usually harmless to most people, but in sensitive individuals, they can trigger allergic reactions.
Common Inhalant Allergens Include:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites, tiny organisms found in household dust
Mold spores, both indoor and outdoor
Animal dander, tiny flakes of skin or hair from pets like cats and dogs
Cockroach droppings
Symptoms of Inhalant Allergies:
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
Nasal symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip
Eye symptoms: Itchy, watery, red, or swollen eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness (especially in asthma triggered by allergies)
Other symptoms: Itchy throat, ear congestion, headaches
2. Food Allergy Testing
A food allergy is an adverse immune system response to specific proteins found in certain foods. When someone with a food allergy ingests or encounters even trace amounts of the allergen, their immune system reacts by producing antibodies, primarily Immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to various symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
7 Common Food Allergens:
Wheat, Soybean, Milk, Eggs, Corn, Sugar, Yeast
Symptoms of Food Allergies:
Symptoms can vary widely in severity and may include:
Skin reactions: Hives, itching, swelling (angioedema), eczema
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness
Cardiovascular symptoms: Drop in blood pressure, fainting, rapid heartbeat (in severe cases known as anaphylaxis)
3. Chemical Testing
A chemical allergy, also known as contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis, occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Unlike irritant contact dermatitis, which occurs due to direct irritation of the skin by a substance, chemical allergies involve an immune system response to specific chemicals or compounds.
Common Chemical Allergens:
Chemical allergens can be found in various products and substances, including:
Nickel: Found in jewelry, watches, zippers, and metal buttons.
Fragrances: Found in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and lotions.
Preservatives: Such as formaldehyde, parabens, and methylisothiazolinone, found in personal care products, cosmetics, and household cleaners.
Rubber: Latex rubber, found in gloves, balloons, and some medical devices.
Certain medications: Topical medications, such as neomycin and bacitracin, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Hair dyes: Some hair dye ingredients can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms of Chemical Allergies:
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis may include:
Redness: Skin may appear red or inflamed at the site of contact.
Swelling: Swelling or blistering may occur, especially if the exposure is prolonged or repeated.
Itching: Intense itching or burning sensation at the site of contact.
Dryness and scaling: Skin may become dry, cracked, or scaly.
Oozing or crusting: In severe cases, the skin may ooze fluid or develop crusts.
4. Mold Toxicity Testing
Mold toxicity testing, also known as mold exposure testing or mycotoxin testing, involves various methods used to assess exposure to molds and their byproducts, known as mycotoxins, in the environment or within the body. These tests can help identify whether an individual has been exposed to molds and if these exposures are associated with physical and or mental health concerns.
Symptoms of Mold Allergies:
Symptoms of mold allergy can vary in severity and may include:
Nasal symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, itching or tingling sensation in the nose.
Eye symptoms: Watery, itchy, red, or swollen eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).
Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness (especially in individuals with asthma triggered by mold allergy).
Skin symptoms: Itchy skin, rash, hives (urticaria).
General symptoms: Fatigue, headache, worsening of asthma symptoms.
5. Heavy Metals
Common metals include but not limited to:
Lead, Mercury, Cadmium
6. Candida and Related Molds
Candida overgrowth, or candidiasis, occurs when there is an imbalance in the body's natural flora, allowing Candida yeast to proliferate excessively. This can lead to localized infections in various parts of the body, such as the mouth (oral thrush), vagina (vaginal yeast infection), or skin folds.