Allergy Information

Allergic Rhinitis may contribute to other conditions not usually associated with allergies.

Conditions such as these may be signs that you have allergies.

  • Sleep Disorders
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Learning Problems
  • Malaise
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Decreased Appetite

The most common causes of year-round allergies are indoor and/or outdoor inhaled allergens such as:

  • Dust Mite
  • Animal Dander
  • Cockroach
  • Mold
  • Pollens

Every time you open your mouth or inhale, tiny particles from the environment that are floating in the air can get into your nose and lungs. The immune system reacts to bad particles to protect the body against things that are harmful, such as bacteria and viruses that can lead to colds. But it can also react to harmless particle allergens that it thinks are a threat and attack them, causing the symptoms of allergies.

This is called an allergic reaction and causes allergy symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose (rhinitis), sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

If you or a family member schedule an appointment to discuss allergy symptoms and the diagnosis is allergic rhinitis, it may be recommended that you undergo allergy testing.

About Pin Prick Allergy Testing (most common)

It will take approximately 45 minutes to complete the testing on your back. Following completion of the testing you will be seen by Dr. McDonald or Yolanda Williams, RN, CS, FNP. You should plan on being in our office for at least 1 ½ – 2 hours.

About Skin Endpoint Titration (SET) Testing

It will take approximately 2 hours to complete the testing on your upper arm.  Following completion of the testing you will be seen by Dr. McDonald or Yolanda Williams, RN, CS, FNP. You should plan on being in our office for at least 3 – 3 ½ hours.  You should wear a sleeveless or loose fitting short-sleeve shirt for testing.

Testing is required on an annual basis to evaluate changes and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Treatment

The best method of controlling allergies and allergic rhinitis is avoidance of the offending agent, but that isn’t always possible.  When sufficient relief cannot be achieved with avoidance techniques or medications, such as antihistamines or other prescribed allergy medications, then injections which contain small doses of the offending allergen can be administered. These injections stimulate the body’s production of blocking antibodies, which then reduces your sensitivity to the allergen. Injections are often effective for pollens, dust, mold spores, and animal dander.  Immunotherapy is not a cure for allergies and does not provide 100% protection or alleviation of symptoms.  However, most people benefit substantially from such therapy. The patient must take an active role in allergy treatment, which includes adjusting environmental exposures and being compliant with prescribed treatment protocol.

The treatment time is uncertain due to many variables which influence each patient’s progress. Remember that you are an individual and you will react to the environment differently than others. Cooperation and communication with the allergy staff are very important factors as you progress through treatment. During your allergy treatment you will be put through a series of build-up injections until a safe maintenance dosage is reached.  After you have been on maintenance injections for 4-6 months, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress.

We also offer Sublingual Immunotherapy as an alternative treatment to injections. These drops are administered under the tongue twice a day.

Call our office today to schedule an evaluation appointment to find out if you could benefit from allergy testing and treatment!