Allergy and Asthma FAQs in Carmel, Indiana

Allergy testing can help identify triggers that may be contributing to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, eczema flares, allergic reactions after certain foods, or reactions to medications. At Inspire Allergy & Asthma, testing may be considered for: Seasonal allergies Pet allergies Dust mite allergy Mold allergy Food allergies Asthma triggers Eczema or contact dermatitis triggers Hives or swelling concerns Medication allergy concerns Allergy testing is most helpful when it is interpreted together with your medical history. A positive test does not always mean a true allergy, and a negative test does not always answer every question. The goal is to understand what is actually causing symptoms so we can create a practical treatment plan.

Inspire Allergy & Asthma offers several types of allergy evaluation and testing depending on your symptoms, age, medical history, and goals. Testing options may include: Skin prick testing Environmental allergy testing Food allergy testing Patch testing for contact dermatitis Penicillin allergy evaluation Oral food challenges when appropriate Spirometry when asthma symptoms are present Not every patient needs every type of test. Dr. Sivam will review your history first and recommend testing only when it is clinically helpful.

Allergy testing can be helpful for children with symptoms such as chronic congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma symptoms, eczema, hives, swelling, or possible food reactions. For children, the goal is not just to “find positives.” The goal is to understand which results actually match the child’s history and symptoms. This is especially important with food allergy testing, where false positives can lead to unnecessary food avoidance. At Inspire Allergy & Asthma, pediatric allergy care is designed to be thoughtful, individualized, and family-centered. We take time to explain what the results mean and what the next steps may be.

Food allergy testing is most helpful when it is interpreted together with a patient’s history. A positive test does not always mean a true food allergy, and a negative test does not always answer every question. When appropriate, Dr. Sivam may discuss additional options such as an oral food challenge, Xolair, avoidance strategies, or oral immunotherapy. An oral food challenge may be recommended when the history and testing suggest that a food may be safe to try under medical supervision. Oral food challenges can be helpful for clarifying a diagnosis, reducing unnecessary avoidance, or determining whether a child has outgrown a food allergy. For patients with confirmed food allergies, Inspire Allergy & Asthma also offers oral immunotherapy for select foods after a full evaluation.

Environmental allergy testing may help identify triggers such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pets, and other indoor or outdoor allergens. This type of testing may be helpful for patients with: Seasonal allergy symptoms Year-round congestion Sneezing or itchy eyes Postnasal drainage Cough Asthma symptoms Pet allergy symptoms Dust mite allergy concerns Once triggers are identified, treatment options may include avoidance strategies, medications, nasal sprays, allergy drops, or asthma treatment when needed.

Patch testing is different from traditional skin prick allergy testing. It is used to evaluate for allergic contact dermatitis, which can happen when the skin reacts to something it touches. Patch testing may be helpful for patients with: Persistent eczema Rashes that do not improve as expected Eyelid dermatitis Hand dermatitis Facial rashes Reactions to skin care products, cosmetics, metals, fragrances, preservatives, adhesives, or topical medications Patch testing can help identify contact allergens that may be contributing to ongoing skin inflammation. If a trigger is found, avoiding that allergen may help reduce flares.

Your first visit at Inspire Allergy & Asthma includes a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, prior testing, medications, and goals. Dr. Sivam will discuss whether allergy testing is appropriate and which type of testing makes the most sense. Depending on your symptoms, testing may be performed during the visit or scheduled separately. Some medications, especially antihistamines, may need to be stopped before skin testing. Our office will provide instructions before your appointment. After testing, results are reviewed in detail. You will leave with a personalized plan, not just a list of positive results.

To ensure accurate allergy testing results, please stop taking the following medications for the time periods listed below before your appointment: Stop 5 days before testing: Benadryl Zyrtec Xyzal Claritin Allegra Clarinex Hydroxyzine Cyproheptadine Doxepin, if used for allergies or sleep Stop 3 days before testing: Astelin Patanase Olopatadine Ketotifen Other antihistamine nasal sprays or eye drops Do not stop unless instructed: Asthma inhalers Montelukast Steroid nasal sprays such as Flonase or Nasacort Other prescribed medications If you have any concerns about stopping any of your medications, please contact us before your appointment. We’re happy to help!

Inspire Allergy & Asthma is a direct-care allergy practice with transparent pricing. New patient visits are billed separately from allergy testing. The total cost depends on the type and amount of testing needed but generally an environmental allergy testing panel is $400 and food prick testing is $10 per food prick.

Inspire Allergy & Asthma offers personalized allergy care for children and adults in Carmel, Indiana and the surrounding Indianapolis area. Patients choose our practice for: Care from a board-certified allergist-immunologist Direct physician-led visits Longer, unrushed appointments Transparent pricing Allergy testing for children and adults Food allergy, asthma, eczema, and environmental allergy expertise Oral food challenges when appropriate Oral immunotherapy options for select food allergies Convenient care for families in Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers, Noblesville, and Indianapolis Our goal is to help patients understand what is truly causing their symptoms and create a plan that feels clear, realistic, and personalized.

If you or your child is struggling with allergy symptoms, food reactions, asthma symptoms, eczema, hives, or medication allergy concerns, Inspire Allergy & Asthma can help you take the next step. Schedule a visit with Dr. Anita Sivam at Inspire Allergy & Asthma in Carmel, Indiana to discuss whether allergy testing is right for you.

1) Follow this link to "enroll" in our practice via a secure enrollment form. You will enter basic contact information, your date of birth, address, etc. 2) Because Inspire Allergy and Asthma is a direct care practice, you will be asked to place a credit card on file for secure, streamlined billing. No charges are made at the time of enrollment. Your card is securely stored and used only for future services you receive. 3) Once your enrollment is complete, we will reach out to you via text or email to schedule your appointment. 4) No referral is required. The whole process only takes a few minutes. If you have any questions during this process, please feel free to contact us.

No. Inspire Allergy & Asthma does not require a referral to schedule an appointment.

No. Allergy testing is not always needed. Sometimes a careful history is enough to guide treatment. Testing is most helpful when the results will change the diagnosis, treatment plan, or next steps.