What are Allergy Testing/Treatments?
Allergy testing involves exposing the body to allergy-triggering substances in order to identify allergy triggers. It may be done by injecting small amounts of these allergens under the skin or by placing a drop of allergen extracts on the surface of your skin, then pricking it with tiny needles. This is called skin prick testing or simply scratch tests. Your healthcare practitioner will take note if your skin reacts to any particular substance. This process can provide allergy relief and help you better manage your condition.
What are the Benefits of Allergy Testing/Treatments?
Allergy testing/treatments not only alleviate allergic symptoms, but they also improve your health and quality of life. Once the source of the allergy has been identified using the appropriate testing procedure, allergy treatments can be used to control, if not eliminate, the symptoms. Allergy treatment options vary greatly depending on the type of allergy but may include oral medications, injectables or allergy immunotherapy, which is also known as allergy shots or desensitisation. These treatment approaches are used to treat a variety of allergic conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Food allergies
- Drug allergy
- Insect stings
How Much Do Allergy Testing/Treatments Cost in Cairns?
The average cost of an allergy testing consultation in Cairns is between $194 and $300, depending on the type of test. Treatment costs, on the other hand, vary depending on the medication or immunotherapy prescribed, so consult with your allergist to get an idea of your out-of-pocket expenses and the amount that will be covered by your insurance.
How Many Allergy Specialists are Based in Cairns?
The number of health practitioners providing allergy testing/treatments in Queensland, which include Cairns, has increased as people become more aware of the importance of detecting allergies early on. There are approximately 300 qualified practitioners in the region, with the vast majority working in hospitals and community clinics.
How Many People in Cairns Use Allergy Testing/Treatments?
While the exact number of people who use allergy testing/treatments in Cairns is unknown, allergy specialists estimate that thousands of procedures are performed each year. This demonstrates how common the problem of allergies is, as well as why the majority of people receive allergy diagnosis and treatment before their allergy attacks become severe.