If you have asthma, now is the time to determine if seasonal allergies are worsening your symptoms. So, before you head out to do all the fun fall festivities, talk with your healthcare provider to see if a blood test for allergies is right for you.
Up to 90 percent of children and 60 percent of adults with asthma suffer from allergies. Identifying your triggers and reducing exposure could help you reduce the need for medication and improve your asthma.
Together with a detailed medical history and a physical examination, an allergy blood test will help a healthcare provider develop a customized treatment plan for allergic symptoms.
Most patients with asthma are seen in the primary care setting and most primary care providers have access to specific IgE testing. And testing to help rule in or rule out allergic sensitizations (and determining what your triggers are, if allergic) is key to coming up with a plan.
Test results are used by your healthcare provider, along with medical history and physical examination, to help manage your asthma.
That management plan includes being prepared for and even predicting attacks, responding to therapies, and developing personalized asthma action plans.
Your healthcare provider will create your asthma action plan with you. You should not create a plan on your own.
Schedule an appointment with your provider to see if specific IgE testing is appropriate for you and to develop an asthma action plan.
To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-6942.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.