Allergies can be extremely taxing, causing everything from inflamed, watery eyes to rashes and hives. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, these allergies can be both irritating and disruptive to your daily life.
Allergy testing and immunotherapy are vital components of a proactive approach that can provide much-needed relief to those who are impacted by allergies. At White Lake Family Medicine, board-certified family medicine physician David Leszkowitz, DO, and our team of certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants are dedicated to going the extra mile in patient care.
If you or your child has symptoms of allergies we can help. Allergy testing is an effective way to diagnose allergies. Once you have a formal diagnosis, we can discuss treatment options, and let you know if immunotherapy is an appropriate treatment option.
The allergy testing process
Allergy testing can be done on anyone, regardless of age, and usually consists of skin and blood tests. Skin testing yields faster results and is less expensive than blood testing. Blood testing requires only one needle prick and is therefore more convenient, though the results take longer to appear.
Our doctors will use the results of your tests, as well as your medical history, to determine whether you have allergies and, if so, what is causing them.
Treating allergies with immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a technique used to train your body to reduce, or eliminate, your immune system’s overreaction to an allergen. The method entails gradually increasing the dose of an allergen. This allows your body to develop a tolerance to allergens, and your immune system to gradually lose sensitivity to the allergen.
Forms of immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can be administered in a variety of ways, including:
Immunotherapy shots
Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most effective and widely used method of immunotherapy. Allergy shots are the only treatment that alters the immune system, which may prevent new allergies and asthma attacks.
Sublingual immunotherapy
Allergy tablets, a type of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), are appealing because they do not require shots. They alleviate your symptoms by assisting your body in developing resistance to allergic reactions. They do not, however, prevent the development of new allergies or asthma attacks.
Allergy drops
Drops are a type of SLIT that works similarly to tablets. Though they are used all over the world, they are not FDA-approved in the United States, so it is best to consult with one of our providers about this specific method.
How to get allergy treatment and begin immunotherapy treatment
Our family medicine team is committed to providing you with much-needed allergy relief. We have a variety of testing and treatment options to get you back to feeling like your full, productive self, whether you’re looking for more preventive measures or relief from full-blown allergies.
To get started, call our White Lake, Michigan, office to schedule a visit with our amazing providers. Your health is our top priority.
