Allergy

1. Skin Prick Testing

Allergy Skin Testing is a method of testing for allergic antibodies. Allergy skin testing helps to confirm which substances (if any) may be causing your allergic symptoms. It is the Gold Standard test for establishing Sensitization to different allergens.
METHOD
The allergy skin test method used in this clinic is Skin Prick Method where the skin is pricked with a very fine lancet that delivers a very small amount of allergenic extract into the skin surface. After that noting the development of a positive reaction which consists of mild swelling and redness (similar to a mosquito bite). In rare cases, some local swelling may occur several hours after the skin tests are applied. These reactions are not serious and will disappear over the next week or so. They should be measured and reported to your doctor at your next visit.
MEDICATIONS TO AVOID
  1. No prescription or over the counter oral antihistamines should be used 7 to 10 days prior to scheduled skin testing. These include cold tablets, hay fever medications, or oral treatments for itchy skin. If you have any questions whether or not you are using an antihistamine, please ask the doctor.
  2. You should discontinue your nasal and eye antihistamine medications at least 2 days before the testing.
  3. Other prescribed drugs, such as amytriptyline, hydroxyzine, doxepin and imipramine have antihistaminic activity and should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to receiving skin test. Do not stop taking these medications before consulting with your physician first.
MEDICATIONS TO AVOID
  1. No prescription or over the counter oral antihistamines should be used 7 to 10 days prior to scheduled skin testing. These include cold tablets, hay fever medications, or oral treatments for itchy skin. If you have any questions whether or not you are using an antihistamine, please ask the doctor.
  2. You should discontinue your nasal and eye antihistamine medications at least 2 days before the testing.
  3. Other prescribed drugs, such as amytriptyline, hydroxyzine, doxepin and imipramine have antihistaminic activity and should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to receiving skin test. Do not stop taking these medications before consulting with your physician first.
IMPORTANT MEDICATIONS TO INFORM, IF YOU ARE TAKING
Beta –blocker: Examples: Lopressor [metoprolol], Coreg [carvedilol], Tenormin [atenolol], some glaucoma eye drops.
Some antidepressants or Monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • Fasting is not necessary,
  • Please bring in a list of your current medications
  • Please let your Doctor know, if you are pregnant.

2. Immunotherapy

This is the only treatment by which we can Stop/Modify/Reverse the progression of any Allergic disease and even Asthma.
If the result come as positive for certain allergens, You may be started on Imunotherapy, The nature of this procedure is: HYPOSENSITIZATION (trying to make you less sensitive to what you are allergic to).
The average time, patient will be on allergy immunotherapy, whether shots or drops, is for 3 to 5 years and maybe more.
It is of two types:-
  • SCIT – Sub Cutaneous Immunotherapy – It is in the form of injections
  • SLIT – Sub Lingual Immunotherapy – It is in the form of oral drops