Re: accuracy of the skin prick test can range from 30 to 63 p...

[Guest guest]

So educate these guys as to the limitations of skin prick tests? Is there

any pharmaceutical entity out there that would profit greatly if these guys

were better educated?

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.