Allergy is diagnosed by history and physical examination and confirmed by allergy testing. We do this allergy testing by skin testing on the arms or by tests done on blood drawn from your arm. Inhalant allergies can cause multiple symptoms but will mainly affect the respiratory system. Persistent and recurrent “colds”. “hay fever”, and “sinus” are examples of allergic symptoms. Any substance that can be inhaled or absorbed into the body may provoke allergic reactions. The most common inhalant allergens that trigger symptoms are pollens, molds and environmental agents such as animal dander and dust mites.

Allergy treatment is based on avoidance of offending allergens through environmental control, medications to control symptoms, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). If immunotherapy is recommended, a solution is mixed specifically for you based on your allergy testing results and will be administered in your arm. The need for allergy medication may decrease or disappear as immunotherapy is advanced. Allergy injections are usually given three to five years, but some patients require immunotherapy indefinitely