Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to common things in our surroundings. Allergies, often inherited, are the immune system reacting to something- eaten, touched, or inhaled that doesn’t affect most other people. If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an infection causing invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This reaction leads to symptoms that often adversely affect your work, play, sleep, and overall quality of life. Common allergens that trigger allergies in people are plant pollens, dust, animal dander and molds.

People often think of allergy as only “hay fever,” with sneezing, runny nose, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic “sinus” problems, excess nasal and throat drainage (postnasal drip), head congestion, frequent colds, hoarse voice, eczema (skin allergies), recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough and asthma. Even stomach and intestinal problems as well as excessive fatigue can be symptoms of allergy.

Symptoms of ear, nose, and throat allergies may include:

• Repeated sneezing
• Nasal itching and rubbing
• Nasal congestion-Runny nose
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Crease across bridge of nose
• Frequent throat clearing
• Mouth breathing-Diminished/lost sense of smell/taste
• Recurrent, unexplained nosebleeds-Recurrent ear infections
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Fluctuating hearing loss
• Cold-like symptoms more than 10 days
• Symptoms recur same time each year
• Chronic fatigue

Symptoms can range from minor to severe. The greater the frequency and/or amount of exposure, the greater the chance that the susceptible person will develop an allergic problem that will require treatment.

There is no “usual” way for an allergy to begin; the onset may be sudden or gradual. Often, symptoms develop following an unusual stress to the immune symptom, such as a severe viral infection.

How do we make the diagnosis?

The initial diagnosis of allergy is based on the history and physical examination. To be certain of the diagnosis and proceed to treat the patient effectively, the findings are confirmed by tests that identify the specific allergens.

During the time leading up to your allergy test and evaluation, there are several important points to remember. The testing and evaluation process may take up to 60 minutes, but will result in information on which allergens you react to and how these sensitivities or allergies can be managed with avoidance, medication or immunotherapy.

It is very important that you have reviewed this list of medications that are contraindicated or unsafe to take before or during allergy testing. If you are on any of the medications on the list, let our allergy clinician, Deanne, or Dr. Dautremont know ASAP ahead of your scheduled evaluation.

The testing will involve different panels of skin prick testing (SPT). The allergens panels have been carefully selected based on our common local allergens, such as grass, weed, and tree pollens, as well as animal/insect danders and moulds.

We use SPT method because the mast cells reside in the subepithelial layer or the skin, and the wheal (swelling) that shows up as an allergic response is easily seen on the skin. Each panel of allergens are delivered at the same time, with the same amount of pressure and therefore are more accurate than other skin testing methods.

As shown in the photo, the forearm is the area that we will use for the testing. Please let us know ahead of time if this area is obstructed with tattoos, eczema, or any other rash or deformity. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy exposure of this area.

Do not apply steroid medicated lotions to the testing area 21 days prior to your evaluation. In order to ensure accurate results, it’s best to avoid lotions or skin treatments that could interfere with the testing results.

Do not partake in any strenuous physical activity immediately before the test. Vigorous physical exercise could potentially increase the risk of an allergic reaction during the testing. It is best to delay exercise until at least 3 hours after your testing.

Immunotherapy is the one treatment that has the potential to cure your allergies, by changing the way your immune system reacts to allergens. At Basis we offer two types of immunotherapy, both administered under the tongue. The type of immunotherapy we offer is referred to as sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT. We offer SLIT in tablet and liquid forms, they can also be administered as a combination.

SLIT is similar therapy to allergy “shots”, except SLIT is pain free, has less side effects, you can administer it yourself at home, and you start to feel the results sooner.

There is a short escalation period, usually one week, and then the maintenance period can last as long as 3-5 years.