Allergy Testing and Treatment
What is an allergy?
An allergy is the body's over-response to something that would normally be considered harmless. The body can respond in many ways and often people are not aware that they have allergies.
The term allergen (or antigen) is used to describe the substance that is causing the allergy. Common allergens are: house dust, mites, molds, animal dander, grass, tree or weed pollens, food, drugs, dyes, perfumes, and volatile chemicals. When a susceptible person is exposed by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact to these allergens, they can experience sinus or nasal congestion, headaches, watery or itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, cough, skin rashes or asthma. They may also suffer depression, fatigue, palpitations, hyperactivity, blood sugar problems, hypertension, joint pains, digestive problems and other symptoms.
How we test for allergies at The Marino Center
The type of allergy testing we do here is intradermal skin testing. We test year round allergens (dust mites, mold, animal danders) and pollens (seasonal allergies to trees, grasses, weeds). Intradermal testing consists of injecting a drop of liquid extract into the skin to produce a small wheal (about the size of a mosquito bite). Enlargement of this wheal after 10 minutes is considered a positive reaction. When a reaction occurs, we do further incremental injections with lower concentrations of allergen until we find a negative reaction, which is the basis of beginning treatment.
How we treat allergies
Once an allergic reaction is confirmed, we will be able to treat you with multiple options including but not limited to injections. The treatment is individualized and based on your allergy tests and preferences for treatment modality. Acupuncture has been effective for some patients who suffer from seasonal allergies.
It is important to note that the treatment you receive from us will work best in conjunction with environmental and dietary changes. Some examples are: avoiding suspected food allergens, sugar, and processed foods; cleaning your environment, using an air filter; getting regular exercise, and taking nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C, B complex, magnesium, essential fatty acids, or quercetin. Nutritional supplementation should be coordinated and reviewed with your physician or nutritionist.
Conventional treatments for allergy symptoms such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and various inhalers may also be used as necessary.
