Allergies are a common problem in both adults and children, and having an allergy can seriously affect your quality of life. If you or your child has symptoms of an allergy, Flagstaff Surgical Associates in Flagstaff, Arizona, can help. The practice offers comprehensive and accurate allergy testing services to men, women, and children, using the modified quantitative method. Treatments for allergies include advanced immunotherapy techniques tailored to your individual needs. Call Flagstaff Surgical Associates today to find out more or book an appointment online.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an exaggerated response by your immune system to a normally harmless substance, like pollen, food, and medication.

Your immune system is vital to life and does an amazing job of protecting you from invading organisms and germs. The immune system produces antibodies to counter potential threats like bacteria and viruses.

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, some people’s immune systems also produce antibodies in response to non-threatening substances, and this causes an allergic reaction.

What is an allergen?

An allergen is a substance that sets off an allergic reaction. Common allergens include:

  • Weeds
  • Grasses
  • Trees
  • Dust mites
  • Molds
  • Cats and dogs
  • Horses
  • Feathers
  • Cockroaches
  • Dairy
  • Wheat
  • Medication (Penicillin)
  • Foods

These are all types of allergens for which Flagstaff Surgical Associates can test you.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Allergy symptoms differ depending on the type of allergy. The symptoms typically involve the airways, sinuses, nasal passages, and skin and can range from mild to severe. Common environmental symptoms include the following:

  • Itchy eyes & Throat
  • Postnasal Drip
  • Hives
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Itchy, red, watering eyes

Allergies to food can cause problems like:

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Swollen face, tongue, and lips
  • Tingling mouth
  • Hives
  • Throat tightening
  • Red, itchy skin
  • Flaking or peeling skin

Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening complication of some allergies.

Testing for Allergies:

Determining the exact cause of your allergy symptoms is the first step in the treatment process. We offer skin allergy testing to patients aged 5 and older. We test a comprehensive panel of common inhaled allergens in Northern Arizona. The two most popular allergy testing methods are:

  • Modified Quantitative Skin Test
  • Blood Test

Allergy skin testing is a one-hour process which will consist of two parts. First is a skin prick test on your back and the second stage involves having intradermal skin testing on your upper arm.

Blood testing consists of having your blood drawn at a lab and your test results will be electronically sent back to the office for further review from a provider. No fasting is required. For this testing you will not be required to stop antihistamines, beta blocker or tricyclics.

How are allergies treated?

Flagstaff Surgical Associates offers two types of immunotherapies: sublingual immunotherapy, better known as allergy drops; and subcutaneous immunotherapy, better known as allergy injections.

Immunotherapy aims to introduce the allergen to your system gradually over a long period to desensitize your system it, and your body builds immunity. This typically takes 3 to 5 years of therapy.

Every patient receives individualized immunotherapy treatment according to their allergy testing results.

Allergy injections are given weekly in the office until a maintenance dose is reached. Then visits, can be spaced every 2 weeks to once a monthly.

Allergy drops go under your tongue every day in the comfort of your own home or while you are on the go.

If you have any questions or symptoms of allergies, call Flagstaff Surgical Associates Allergy Team today to schedule an allergy consultation.