Allergies 

Allergies occur if you have a sensitivity to a substance in the environment or food that causes a reaction in your body. The immune reaction may cause symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, recurrent sinus infections, throat swelling, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Trees
• Grass
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Animals

Allergy Testing: Understanding Your Triggers

Determining your eligibility for immunotherapy begins with allergy testing, a service we readily provide at Century ENT. Typically taking between 1-2 hours, this process involves exposing your skin to a variety of allergens within our comfortable office environment. By assessing your skin’s reaction, our Century ENT specialists can better understand your allergies and evaluate your candidacy for immunotherapy.

There are some restrictions on candidacy for testing based on the medical history of current medications. There are some blood tests that can be used as an alternative or an augmentation of allergy testing.

How it Works

At Century ENT, we utilize an approach known as immunotherapy. This process involves the gradual introduction of minute amounts of the allergen causing an adverse reaction in your body. By slowly increasing this dose over an extended period, we aim to achieve a state of “desensitization.” This method trains your body to become accustomed to each substance that usually triggers allergy symptoms, providing a targeted and effective approach to managing your allergies.

Treatment

For patients who find limited relief from over-the-counter or prescription medications, Century ENT offers a potential solution in the form of immunotherapy. This treatment approach, which includes options like allergy shots and the increasingly popular Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), is lauded for its efficacy, convenience, safety, and affordability. Here at Century ENT, we are committed to helping you find the most effective treatment for your individual condition.

Treatment Times

There is no quick fix for allergies. It’s generally recommended to obtain treatment over 3-5 years, but can vary from person to person.

Side Effects of Immunotherapy

The injection site may cause redness, swelling, and itching are the most typical adverse reactions. Very severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can occasionally happen. Century ENT specialists take measures to mitigate this possibility and equip you with the medications and knowledge to handle this unusual side effect. This risk is significantly reduced with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Other side effects are related to stimulating symptoms of allergies, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, or sinus infections.

Conclusion

If you’re considering allergy immunotherapy as a potential treatment option, our specialists at Century ENT are here to guide you. We encourage you to discuss whether it’s the right course of treatment for you with our healthcare professionals. Our team can also help address any questions or concerns you may have, elaborating on the pros and cons of this treatment method to ensure you make an informed decision.