An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from allergies.
Between the runny nose, itching and watery eyes, sneezing, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties, allergies may be mildly irritating or make you downright miserable!
Allergies result from a "misfiring" of the immune system, which normally helps the body fight off harmful viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. In an allergic reaction, the immune system perceives pollen, food, or other allergens as a threat to health. The immune system mobilizes against the "invaders" by creating antibodies that set off symptoms every time the allergenic substance enters your body or touches your skin, in the case of a contact allergic reaction.
One of the ways in which our doctors diagnose allergy is on the basis of your symptoms and exposure to allergens. For instance, if you are symptomatic only during ragweed season, your only allergy may be to ragweed. If you have year-round symptoms, the problem may include dust mites, pet allergies, or an allergy to a substance you come into contact with at work. You may need testing to identify the allergen.
The most reliable and accurate test places a drop of allergen extract onto your skin. If you are allergic to the substance, a reaction will develop within 15 minutes. A less precise blood test can be used when the patient is too young for skin testing.
Our Sinus & Allergy Division provides patients with the latest methods in both allergy testing and immunotherapy. We follow guidelines set by the Academy of Otolaryngologic Allergy and advanced testing techniques such as modified quantitative endpoint titration. During your first visit, we provide important information about allergy symptoms, medications, and the association between allergies and other medical conditions such as sinusitis and pharyngitis. We provide advice and medical therapy in order to help you manage your allergies and improve the quality of your life.