How to Test for Smoke Allergies
Most allergies are a result of a reaction to a specific protein, but smoke allergies are also quite common. Typically, smoke allergies manifest themselves in symptoms similar to other common allergies, like those of pollen and pet dander. You may need to have a doctor test you in order to accurately diagnose smoke allergies.
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Instructions
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Spot Smoke Allergy Symptoms
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Note whether you rub your eyes often. If you frequently have an itchy feeling accompanied by watery eyes, you may be experiencing a smoke allergy. Tobacco in the air can be very irritating to sensitive eyes.
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Be aware of excess sneezing. Because smoke is highly irritating to the nasal passages, sneezing is one of the most common symptoms of smoke allergies.
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Recognize that chronic cough you've been experiencing as a possible symptom of a smoke allergy. As the smoke enters your lungs when you breathe, it causes a reaction in the bronchial tubes and air sacs of your lungs. Your body wants to expel it, and does so by coughing.
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Be very cautious if you experience shortness of breath as a result of smoke exposure. Shortness of breath is a very serious issue and one you should consult a doctor about right away. If you have asthma, then you can potentially experience very dangerous breathing problems if exposed to smoke.
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Listen to yourself breath, or better yet, have someone else listen to your lungs for you. Wheezing is an easy way to recognize problems in the lungs and is commonly associated with smoke allergies.
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Consider headaches as a possible symptom of smoke allergies, though note that since headaches have many causes, only a doctor can decide if the two conditions are connected.
Test for Allergies
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Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you recognize any of the allergy symptoms listed. Allergy tests will have to be performed before treatment can be prescribed.
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Undergo skin tests allergies. Weakened allergy-causing substances will be applied to the skin or injected beneath it to see if they trigger a reaction.
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Schedule blood allergy tests, which look for antibodies in the bloodstream. Blood allergy tests are less commonly used than skin tests, but since they have a very high accuracy rate, they may be necessary if your doctor has doubts about the origins of your allergy symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
Have a detailed family medical history available to look for histories of allergic reaction.
