With pollen blanketing Georgia, it’s a good time to take an allergy test. Finding out which allergens you’re sensitive to will help you manage your symptoms moving forward. When you schedule your allergy test, we’ll provide instructions on how to prepare, including which medications to stop taking.
One medication class you will need to avoid for a few days leading up to your test is antihistamines.
How Do Antihistamines Work?
When you encounter an allergen like grass pollen, your immune system will overreact to the substance as if it’s harmful. One part of that overreaction is histamine release. Histamine is mainly known for causing allergic symptoms like hives, congestion, itchy eyes and wheezing.
Antihistamines block histamine receptors, lessening or preventing allergy symptoms.
Why Do I Need To Stop Taking Antihistamines?
One method we use to determine whether or not you have an allergy is a skin test. During the test, we introduced a small dose of the suspected allergen into the skin by scratching or pricking. After we introduce the allergen, we’ll wait about 15 minutes to see if a reaction occurs. Hives are a common reaction during testing.
You will need to stop taking antihistamines before an allergy test because the drug will prevent your body from developing the visual reaction we need to confirm an allergy.
How Long Before a Test Will I Need To Stop Taking Antihistamines?
Avoid taking any form of antihistamines for five days before your test.[1] A few types of antihistamines include pills, syrups, eye drops, nasal sprays and skin creams. Double check that any other type of allergy medication you’re taking doesn’t include antihistamines (decongestant-antihistamine combo drugs, etc.).
You will be able to start taking your antihistamines as soon as we confirm your results. If your allergies are severe, do your best to avoid the suspected allergens in the days leading up to the test.
Do I Need To Stop Taking Antihistamines Before a Blood Test?
Allergy blood tests look for the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood; they don’t rely on visual symptoms. If we have verified that you won’t be taking a skin test, usually if your symptoms are severe enough to avoid introducing the allergen to your system, you can take antihistamines.
For further questions about allergy testing, contact ENT of Georgia North today.
[1] American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. (2021, February 1). Medications to stop before allergy testing. https://www.aaoallergy.org/medications-to-stop-before-allergy-testing/