Final answer:
Patients should avoid allergy medications before testing to prevent false-negative results. Treatment options vary from antihistamines for mild symptoms to emergency care for severe reactions. Dosage must be carefully considered, taking into account the patient's unique characteristics and medical history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients are often advised to avoid allergy medications prior to undergoing allergy testing. This is crucial because these medications can interfere with the test results, masking the body's natural response to allergens and potentially leading to a false-negative outcome. To ensure accurate diagnosis, it is important to have a clear picture of the immune system's response without the influence of antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Before prescribing or adjusting medication, additional tests may be necessary depending on the patient's specific symptoms and history. With regards to treatment, mild allergy symptoms are often managed with antihistamines, which help to reduce or eliminate the histamines that cause allergy symptoms. In more severe cases, such as those at risk of anaphylaxis, emergency medical care is needed, and treatments like epinephrine injections may be required.
When considering the dosage and route of administration of medications, factors such as the patient's age, mass, liver and kidney function, and history of drug reactions are important. These considerations help to optimize therapeutic levels while minimizing the risk of toxicity and side effects.