Re: accuracy of the skin prick test can range from 30 to 63 percent, Szeinbach said.

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

That is a point which most physicians and people don't know about. There is

so much marketing towards Allergy Meds (Zyrtec, Allegra, etc.) that everybody

thinks they are allergic. But there are so many other things that look like

allergy symptoms (congestion, runny nose, watery eyes), but are not caused by

allergy. The cause could be Nonallergic Rhinitis (Vasomotor, Occupational,

Hormonal, Nasal Polyps, Drug-induced, etc) or Sinusitis (Viral or Bacterial

Infection).

The correct diaganosis is important because you can use the correct

medications (Non-Sedating Antihistamines do nothing for non-allergic patients

since NO histamine is released) and you don't have to do unneccesary avoidance

strategies, which could be costly. It also allows the physician to investigate

the true cause of symptoms and treat it through the proper pathway.

If you can't tell, I like talking about this. It's my job.

snk1955@... wrote:

,

That website of isitallery.com is a good find! I found this article to be

of interest.

_Most People With Allergy-Like Symptoms Don't Have Allergies, Study Says_

(http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/noallrgy.htm)

But the accuracy of the skin prick test can range from 30 to 63 percent,

Szeinbach said.