Why get a test if you don’t have to, right? This is often the approach that a lot of people take, especially when it comes to those ones that you have to pay money for or spend time in any kind of clinic. But, even “unnecessary” testing can be important to get a complete picture of your health, and there is no better example of this than with allergy testing.
The importance of allergy testing:
Even if you don’t feel as though you have a need for allergy testing in itself, getting an allergy test is very important to have a complete picture of your health and your particularly body — which is different from everyone else’s around you. Allergy testing is often only used as a last resort, or if someone is having serious reactions, but it should be a regular test for anyone and everyone. Here’s what you should know.
- Allergies should always be taken seriously: Even if allergies are just sniffling and coughing, or perhaps a rash, allergies should always be taken seriously. An allergy is when your body’s immune system starts to attack a food ingredient, and it reacts by creating inflammation in your body. This is always a serious response and should be understood by the confirmation of test results.
- Allergies can be present in families with no allergies on record: Outdated information tells most people that allergies are hereditary, which can be true in some cases. This is part of why early exposure to potential allergens is important as an infant and toddler. However, allergies can pop up in those who don’t have direct connections with anyone who has allergies. So, even if your parents and extended family are allergen-free, it doesn’t mean that you’re free from risk.
- They’re on the rise everywhere: The reality is that allergies are on the rise in the West in particular, and that trend seems to be following suit all over the world. More and more babies and toddlers are having serious allergies diagnosed. This is even more reason to get yourself tested os that you know what you’re dealing with. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- They can rule themselves out: Sometimes, allergies or intolerances can actually be something else, including underlying health issues. To best protect yourself, allergy testing will help you to rule out allergies, if nothing else. This will give you support in getting further testing to help identify any strange symptoms or reactions you are feeling.
As serious as any other medical test — and much more accessible for anyone who wants it done — allergy testing should be standard throughout infancy and childhood to make sure that anything potentially harmful gets identified. While you may not have thought that allergy testing was something that you absolutely needed to consider because you feel fine, it’s important to take a look at the points above and reconsider your options. It can bring you so much peace of mind and clarity, and it really isn’t going to be inconvenient at all.
