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 Allergies
are the result of the body’s abnormal response to typically harmless
substances (allergens). The body can produce symptoms such as runny nose,
recurrent ear fluid, nasal congestion, recurrent sinus congestion and
infections, headaches, hives, asthma, stomach complaints, fatigue and skin
conditions in response to allergens.
Our Allergy department is
staffed with registered nurses who have extensive experience in working
with allergy patients. Our nurses test for specific allergens that are
airborne in this geographic region. We utilize the skin endpoint
titration (SET) technique. This is done by injecting a small amount of the
antigen under the skin of the upper arm, starting at a low concentration
of allergen and gradually building up to a higher concentration based on
your response. We test for pollens, molds, house dust, dust mites and
animal dander. We are able to determine not only what allergens you
respond to, but also how responsive you are. Your Doctor can then use the
information obtained by testing to help with environmental modification,
taking medications to improve symptoms, and in certain cases, determining
the proper strengths of antigens to be used in desensitization (allergy
shots).
Our method of testing
and treating allergy patients is very safe and has provided excellent
relief of symptoms for a high percentage of patients who continue
desensitization for 3-5 years. SET testing has been endorsed by the
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy as the safest method to
test and treat allergy patients who need immunotherapy to control their
allergy symptoms.
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