15. SKIN TEST FOR ALLERGY
โข Skin tests are used to identify numerous potential allergens. This includes airborne,
food-related, and contact allergens. The three types of skin tests are
scratch, intradermal, and patch tests.
โข Doctor will typically try a scratch test first. During this test, an allergen is placed in
liquid, then that liquid is placed on a section of your skin with a special tool that
lightly punctures the allergen into the skinโs surface. The patient will be closely
monitored to see how his skin reacts to the foreign substance. If thereโs localized
redness, swelling, elevation, or itchiness of the skin over the test site, the the
patient is allergic to that specific allergen.
16. SKIN TEST FOR ALLERGY
โข If the scratch test is inconclusive, doctor may order an intradermal
skin test. This test requires injecting a tiny amount of allergen
into the dermis layer of the skin. Again, the doctor will monitor
the reaction of the patient.
โข Another form of skin test is the patch test. This involves using
adhesive patches loaded with suspected allergens and placing
these patches on the skin. The patches will remain on the body
after the patient leave doctorโs office. The patches are then
reviewed at 48 hours after application and again at 72 to 96
hours after application.
41. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
โข FESS is a minimally-invasive approach to the sinus cavities using endoscopes to view the
important structures of the nose and sinuses.
โข The endoscope is inserted through the nose.
โข The view with the endoscope allows for better identification of the underlying disease,
which in turn allows the surgeon to be precise, careful, and thorough with minimal
damage to normal surrounding tissue. All sinuses can be viewed directly during FESS and
obstructing tissue or disease can be removed as indicated. FESS allows for less tissue
removal, more rapid tissue healing, and shorter recovery periods.
โข The surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis.
