Allergy & Asthma Care

Allergy & Asthma Care at Beverly Hospital

Our allergy and asthma team specializes in the diagnosis, testing and management of allergies, asthma and immune system disorders. Know that you’re in competent and caring hands at Beverly Hospital.

Diagnosis and Testing

Our allergy care specialists can diagnose your allergies using a combination of:

• History
• Allergy tests
• Physical exam
• Review of symptoms

Once your allergy specialist identifies your allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions), they’ll recommend specific avoidance and treatment measures.

Scratch Skin Testing

This is a reliable and fast test (15 minutes) to identify allergens. During the test, your specialist places a small amount of the allergen on your skin — typically on the forearms. We then prick your skin. If you’re allergic to that allergen, a bump and/or redness will form. We check the area and use the test results and your symptoms to help determine if you have an allergy.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Your Allergist can perform in-office spirometry to help diagnose and manage your asthma. Pulmonary function testing can be done in children as young as 5 years old. The medical assistant or nurse will guide you or your child on the procedure which includes blowing into a mouthpiece for a few seconds.

Blood Testing

This type of allergy test is rarely done. You may undergo blood testing for allergies if you have skin problems or if your doctor thinks you may have a severe reaction to a skin allergy test. There are several types of blood tests for allergies. Your specialist will recommend which one is right for you.

The results of a blood test can help narrow the list of suspected allergens, but often don’t let specialists identify the exact cause of symptoms. We may recommend further testing to pinpoint your specific allergen(s).