How do I get rid of my allergies and what is causing them?

What types of allergy tests are there? What could be causing my allergies?

• So I have suffered from (either) really bad allergies or horrific colds for as long as I can remember (I am 14). I have gotten a prick test, but the doctors said it was inconclusive because my skin is too sensitive and broke out when they cleaned by back to prepare it for the test, as well as breaking out during every prick. I also got a blood test and they said that I was not allergic to anything (except for a VERY VERY slight allergy to ragweed that they said would not cause any noticeable allergies). I am very skeptical, and I think that the doctors are wrong. I get REALLY REALLY REALLY rad allergies about 5 times a year. They usually happen around the same times every year. Are there other types of tests. All that came out of this testing was the doctors telling me that I have asthma...which I highly doubt, because I have never had problems breathing (except through my nose when it is clogged). I have stopped using en inhaler at the discretion of my family doctor, because it seemed of no help. I have my "allergies" right now. I live in South New Jersey. I have a cough, sneeze, watery eyes, headache, fever, clogged nose, and sore throat. and I DONT RESPOND to any medicines. I use a neti pot ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg ). and that seems to help ease my conjestion for about 10 minutes. But not really. What are other options for curing, or at the very least, finding out what is causing my allergies.

• Answer:

  This is beyond the scope of Y.A. Allergies are very complex. Many docs think that many people suffer from the total *aggregate* of allergens. For example, pets, dust mites, pollen, food, and mold all contribute their part. So you might have to attack it from many angles. I use silk sheets because they don't harbor dust-mites, one of the most common allergies. I avoid most dairy, wheat, soy, etc., because I show some antibodies against them. I have a HEPA filter to clean the air in my house. I fight against any mold in my house. I don't have a cat. I also don't eat any food I have an "oral allergy" to (if your mouth/throat ever itch or hurt from contact with food). Next, remember that "food intolerance" (often an IgM, or immunoglobulin M reaction) is no longer considered an allergy, but is still relevant. In other words, an IgE test may show no reaction (the type that causes fast-acting, hives, breathing trouble, etc.), yet you may still have an IgM reaction, which could be exacerbating your other allergy symptoms. So my advice is to get an IgM type food allergy test, and avoid anything you react to. They are not 100% accurate, but will point you in the right direction. Lastly, you may find high doses of Vitamin C and other natural remedies can be helpful. EarthClinic is showing good results using apple cider vinegar, for example... http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/allergies.html