The ENT Institute allergy test is a skin scratch test with antigen attached to it. The prick only reaches the top layer of the skin. It’s relatively painless. We label each test spot with the specific allergen that’s placed there.
If the area swells and becomes red, like a mosquito bite, the test for that allergen is positive. We can often know within 15 minutes what the allergy trigger is.
After an allergy test is complete and we find out what you are allergic to, we can begin allergy immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy is a long term allergy treatment that helps decrease the body’s allergic response to seasonal allergens. By serving up regular, tiny doses of the things you are allergic to in shot, drop or pill form you can build up your body’s immunity to these things. Essentially you’re training your body to be less sensitive to the things it finds offensive such as grass and tree pollen.
Seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis) usually requires ongoing treatments including medications, nasal rinses and nasal sprays. Immunotherapy including allergy shots and sublingual drops improve your tolerance to airborne allergens over a period of time.
While allergy medications get less effective over time, shots and drops tend to get more effective over time. Immunotherapy helps to desensitize and provide symptomatic relief for patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
If you test positive for allergies, we recommend two options. First, we encourage you to avoid what you can (i.e. foods). Second, we offer allergy immunotherapy (AI)! AI is the only treatment that can alter the disease process itself. Our allergy specialists start injections at a safe dosage and gradually increase with time to help your body develop a better reaction and immune response to your allergens.
Allergy injection treatment. Your shot treatment will vary depending on what you’re allergic too. You have a choice on the frequency of your allergy shots. Patients receiving shots 3 times per week can see relief as early as 6 months. Patients receiving shots 1 time a week can expect relief in about 12 months. Your allergy shot frequency will be at the recommendation of your Allergy Nurse, Doctor and/or PA.
Once you’ve met certain requirements, your frequency of shots will decrease. Your shots continue to decrease through treatment until your allergy treatment is complete. We recommend maintenance of one shot per month for 1-3 years.
You and your doctor will work together to determine the best allergy treatment for you. It’s important to consider your own commitment to allergy treatment: will coming into the office or taking allergy drops work better for your schedule and lifestyle?
Treatment Time: | Average 6-12 months with monthly maintenance for 1-3 years |
Process: | 1-3 injections per week in the clinic depending on the frequency you decide. |
Cost: | Covered by most insurance may require a co-pay |
Risk and Side Effects: | Rare and mild. EpiPen, antihistamine, and clinic supervision after injection required. |
See Relief In… | 6-12 months |
After your allergy test we create allergy drops specific to your triggered allergens. You take these drops home and administer them according to the schedule prescribed. Typically you will take them daily under the tongue. This will help your body get used to the allergen and decrease allergy symptoms over time.
Allergy Immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops, gives you tiny doses of what your body finds offensive. We give these doses regularly over a period of 18 months. This will help your body change the way it responds to allergens over time and trains it to eventually become used to them.
We reformulate the drops every 3 months to build resistance to the allergy. Sublingual drops have very low risks of reactions or anaphylaxis.
Treatment Time: | Average 18-36 Months |
Process: | Drops under the tongue daily, administered at home. |
Cost: | Average around $55-$80 a month. |
Risk and Side Effects: | Rare and mild. |
See Relief In… | 9-12 months |
The Ear, Nose & Throat Institute provides exceptional treatment and care for ear, nose and throat disorders including balloon sinuplasty, allergy treatments, sleep apnea and snoring treatment, voice therapy, tonsils and adenoids and so much more.
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