Allergy is one of the most common conditions faced by people with asthma; about half of the people suffering from asthma have allergies. In addition, 9 out of every 10 children suffer from allergies. These allergies trigger asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and breath shortness, and may even lead to asthma attack and anaphylactic shocks.

Immunotherapy, or more commonly known as “allergy shots”, can be used to desensitize the body against allergens. Some allergens such as dust mites, molds and cockroaches are found indoor, while others such as weeds, grasses and pollens are found outdoor.

A substance that triggers asthma in one person may have no effect in another. Therefore, before taking allergy shots, people must find the allergens that they are allergic to. For this reason, skin allergy tests are administered.

The results from these allergy tests can help determine the particular allergens that one is susceptible to. Then allergy shots, containing small amounts of these particular allergens, will be injected.

However, the results are not just useful before allergy shots. By knowing the allergens that trigger asthma symptoms in them, people can take appropriate measures to minimize their exposure to these allergens. Also, it will allow doctors to better identify the causes in case of an asthma attack.