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Allergies are the result of the body’s abnormal response to typically harmless substances (allergens). Symptoms such as runny nose, recurrent ear fluid, nasal congestion, recurrent sinus congestion and infections, headaches, hives, asthma, stomach complaints, fatigue and skin conditions may be caused by allergies. Our allergy department is staffed with registered nurses who have extensive experience in working with allergy patients. We test for specific allergens that are airborne in this geographic region. We utilize both the Multi-test and SET (intradermal) allergy testing choosing the one we feel is the safest and most diagnostic based on the patient’s allergy history. SET testing is done by injecting a small amount of antigen under the skin of the upper arm. Multi-testing is done using devices that deposit multiple antigens on the surface of the skin on the lower arm with minimal pricking of the skin. It is an excellent technique for testing children. With either technique, we test for grass pollen, trees, weeds, molds, house dust, dust mites, and animal dander. We are able to determine not only what allergens you react to, but also how reactive you are. Our doctors can use the test results to form a treatment plan utilizing environmental modification, prescribing medications to improve symptoms, or placing the patient on immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) when indicated. Our method of testing and treating allergy patients is very safe and has provided excellent relief of symptoms for a high percentage of patients. Both SET testing and Multi-testing have been endorsed by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy as safe and reliable methods of allergy testing. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) build your immune system’s tolerance to allergens over time. Injections are given once weekly and eventually every other week for a three to five year period. Each week the dose gradually increases making consistency critical for safety and symptom relief. Most insurance companies cover injections and the medication vials. You should verify your insurance coverage prior to beginning treatment. We also offer an allergy drop (sublingual immunotherapy) program. Allergy drops work much like allergy shots, slowly desensitizing you to the allergens that cause your allergy symptoms. Drops are formulated based on the results of your allergy tests. A bottle of allergy drops lasts for three months. Patients put one drop of serum under their tongue three times a day. This treatment works well for people who travel, who are needle phobic, and works especially well for children. Most insurance companies will pay for the testing and office visits, but not for the drops. Allergy drops are currently an off-label treatment (not FDA approved for sublingual use), so insurance providers typically do not cover the cost. Patients are responsible for the cost of their drops.
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