We are happy to serve your allergy health needs
Our board certified allergists, physician assistant and registered nurses are specially trained in the treatment of allergic conditions. As a first step towards diagnosing allergies, an extensive history and physical would be performed in our office by one of our board certified allergists or physician assistant.
PAINLESS TESTING AVAILABLE, ASK OUR STAFF FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Standard Allergy Environmental Testing
Allergy Skin Testing
Patch Testing Contact Dermatitis
What Is Patch Testing?
Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction or allergy that occurs when your skin comes into contact with these common substances. Patch testing is a skin test designed to help determine if you are allergic to multiple substances on the patch panel. The substances tested are common ingredients often found in cosmetics, perfumes/colognes, jewelry, topical creams, rubber products etc. The “patches” are placed on the back by our staff and remain for 48-72 hours. A reaction of local rash with swelling, redness, and tiny blisters is often indicative of an allergy.
Drug Allergy Evaluation
For more information, view: Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) About Penicillin Allergy I might be allergic to Penicillin. Why should I get tested? Penicillin Allergy Facts for Patients
Bee Sting Evaluation
Food Challenge Evaluation
Rhinoscopy
What Is Rhinoscopy?
Rhinoscopy is a procedure where we use a small fiber optic camera to visualize your nasal and sinus passages. It is a simple technique that requires topical anesthetic in the form of a nasal spray. This procedure helps the doctors identify nasal problems, sinus polyps, and disturbances of the vocal cords.
Allergy Injection Therapy / Allergy Shots
A treatment set of extract/antigen vials are prepared for the patient based upon their individual test results. When a patient is allergic to many different substances, it is necessary to divide the materials into two different sets of vials. Injections are started using the weakest dilution and the progresses to more concentrated doses until a maintenance dose is reached. After a maintenance dose is reached, the interval between injections is progressively spaced and then continued for years. Allergy injections are recommended for an average of three years, therefore, requiring an ongoing commitment.
It should be emphasized that immunotherapy does not cure allergies and that immediate improvement is not to be expected. It takes approximately six months for the average patient to begin demonstrating the positive effects of the injections. Please realize that we are aiming for long term improvement. Although some patients do not respond adequately to immunotherapy, most experience a significant decrease in symptoms.
Reactions to Immunotherapy
A local reaction at the injection site is common and usually occurs soon after the injection as an area of redness or swelling. These local skin reactions will generally resolve over several hours or, in rare instances, a few days. If an unusually large local reaction occurs, or lasts many hours, or is accompanied by sneezing or coughing, it may indicate a change in dosage should be made. Any local reaction symptoms MUST be reported to the nurse prior to receiving your next allergy injection.
General/systemic reactions can occur but are extremely rare. In addition to sneezing or coughing, a general reaction may include, widespread itching, hives, nasal discharge, wheezing, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and rarely shock. These symptoms, while potentially serious and in rare instances, life threatening, generally respond well to treatment.
You will be required to remain in the waiting room for at least twenty (20) minutes following your injection in order to record and/or treat any reaction which may occur. IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SYMPTOMS AFTER LEAVING THE OFFICE, GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.
Allergy injections should generally not be given when significant wheezing or fever are present. YOU MUST INFORM THE NURSE IF YOU ARE TAKING BLOOD PRESSURE OR MIGRAINE MEDICATION OF THE BETA-BLOCKER TYPE as this may put you at higher risk for adverse reaction to allergy injections.
Rush / Cluster Immunotherapy
Asthma Evaluation / Breathing Problems / Pulmonary Function Test
Evaluate Eosinophilic Eosophagitis, intestinal problems related to allergy
Evaluate Chronic Skin Rashes, Hives, Eczema
Evaluate Angiodema and swelling disorders
Evaluate Immune system disorders, specifically immune deficiencies and recurrent infections which may require gamma globulin therapy.