Allergies & How To Get Some Relief
About Allergies
Allergies are reactions caused by the immune system as it responds to environmental substances that are usually harmless to most people. They may occur in response to a range of different material (called allergens), such as food, pollen, dust mites, animals, insect stings, or medicines.
When exposed to an allergen, the body starts to produce a specific type of antibody, called IgE. Together the allergen, lgE and blood cell (specifically mast cells) join, causing the mast cells to release a variety of chemicals into the blood. This response releases a chemical within the body called a histamine, which allows you to feel common allergy symptoms.
Allergies and asthma impact 1 in 5 Americans and have an estimated economic impact of $7.9 billion per year due to the cost of direct care and lost work.
About Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, cause the body to stop generating symptoms after exposure to certain allergens. Tiny amounts of the offending substance are injected under the skin with each shot. The shots stimulate the immune system just a little each time.
We’ll test you on-site for the 48 most prominent airborne allergens, including common tree and grass pollens, weeds, molds and animals. The test is safe, minimally invasive, and produces results within 15 minutes.
We work with United Allergy Services (UAS), a well-established leader in home-based immunotherapy, to offer our on-site allergy testing and treatment. Founded in 2009, UAS currently works with practitioners in 20 states to offer long-term allergy relief, having conducted more than 525,000 allergy tests and served over 325,000 patients. Visit their website for more information.
What are the benefits of allergy testing and immunotherapy?
One in five people suffer from symptomatic allergies. These symptoms can vary greatly from minor discomfort to severe disability. The cost of allergies can be significant when factoring in lost productivity and days off from work and school. Combined with expensive drugs that serve only to mask the symptoms, the average cost to patients can be upwards of $2,000 per year.
Is immunotherapy effective in eliminating allergies?
Yes, immunotherapy is very effective in greatly decreasing or even eliminating the symptoms of allergies. Up to 85% receive a complete cure or a noticeable reduction in allergy symptoms.
Which allergens will I be tested for?
You will be tested for the most frequent geographically specific seasonal and perennial allergens in your area. You will be tested for dust mites, proteins from pet hair and dander, trees, grass and weed pollens, molds and cockroach allergens. UAS does not test or treat for food or stinging insect related allergies.
Is immunotherapy effective for children?
Yes, in addition to being 85% – 95% effective, allergen immunotherapy has been shown to prevent the development of asthma.