Allergy Evaluations/Diagnosis
Skin Testing uses a small drop of diluted allergen on top of the skin, which acts as a proxy for the lungs or nose. Sometimes, a very small portion of the allergen is injected right below the skin to test for allergies.
Avoidance
By eliminating or decreasing your exposure to an allergen, symptoms can be minimized, controlled, or eliminated. Finding a new home for pets, avoiding specific foods or drugs, and restricting the use of scented chemical products can significantly improve your symptoms. If an allergen cannot be avoided completely, reducing your exposure can be helpful.
Pharmacotherapy
Medications used to combat allergy symptoms include oral antihistamines, oral and inhaled decongestants, anti-inflammatory steroid nasal spray, and saline nasal sprays/rinses.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots/desensitization)
Immunotherapy for inhaled allergens reduces sensitivity by building your tolerance through regular exposure. We use in-office intradermal skin testing and results help determine sensitivities and treatment dosages. Allergy injection therapy can bring relief within 3-6 months but may take longer.
We also offer sublingual drop therapy delivered through a serum that is placed under the tongue. This is a convenient option for home administration and children. Our physicians recommend that individuals continue allergy therapy for 3-5 years.
Penicillin Skin Testing
Often, patients will report a penicillin allergy based off a childhood rash. Penicillin allergy is the most frequently reported drug allergy, with nearly 10 percent of people in the US claiming to be allergic. However, up to 90 percent of these patients do not have evidence of a penicillin allergy when tested.
PCI Allergy now offers penicillin skin testing. The skin testing procedure for penicillin allergy is easy, safe, and completed in approximately one hour. Following testing, patients with negative skin test results are challenged with oral penicillin or amoxicillin and observed for an additional hour to confirm their ability to tolerate penicillin.