North Baltimore Journal

Behind every allergy, there is an allergen responsible for triggering it. Some common allergens include pollen, mold spores, and dust mites; some less-common allergens include pet dander or even medicines. Different testing methods are used to determine the source of an allergy.

Dr. Jamie Oberman, of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center recently detailed different procedures to determine an allergy source.

"You're doing either skin pick testing on the back or the forearm and you're placing the allergen and see if they develop a flare. So that's called in vivo testing, and that is still performed," Oberman said. "But equally as sensitive and specific is what's called in vitro testing or RAST. In vitro testing, which is a blood test, we're testing for a specific allergy type antibody. This is a specific antibody to an allergen that somebody is allergic to, and it would be elevated on a blood test. And it's specific for a geographic region, specifically, for the Frederick, Mid-Atlantic states that we test for in addition to other panels for food and other allergens." 

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.

In the United States, allergies account for the sixth most common cause of chronic illness.

Some people have perennial allergic rhinitis, which persists year-round. Irrespective of the type of allergy you have, you can consult Frederick Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center, and they will assist you with modern allergy solutions.