Approximately 1 in 5 individuals suffer from allergies, making it a very common condition and as we’ve seen it is also a leading cause of sinusitis symptoms. In order to effectively treat any allergy conditions you may have, it’s important to undergo testing to see exactly which allergens you’re afflicted by and how severe.
Conducting a detailed interview of your medical history that includes symptoms, medical conditions, family history as well as a physical exam first need to be completed.
Then specific testing techniques are done based on the results of your history and exam – There are many different ways to test for allergies. From blood tests, patch tests to titration testing. Many ENT doctors and healthcare specialists agree that SET testing offers the patient a more superior test and results; and consequently this test is greatly utilized for our patients.
What is SET Allergy testing
SET or Skin Endpoint Titration testing is an intradermal test where a diluted allergy is injected under the skin using a very thin needle – resulting in minimal discomfort. Everyone is different, so determining your individualized allergy profile and treatment plan is based off your particular allergic triggers that are identified during testing.
What to expect
The injections are given in a series of rows with selected allergens based on your medical history and environmental exposure. After about 10 minutes, small bumps or ‘wheals’ will appear that look like mosquito bites. Our allergy specialists will then measure each wheal and surrounding flare to determine the severity of your reaction.
How long does testing take?
The length of the test will vary based on your reaction to the given allergens. A positive response will be confirmed and an increased amount of the offending allergen will be given to determine the exact sensitivity. This is very important as your individualized allergy shots will be determined by which allergen you are sensitive and to what degree.
What preparations do I need to make?
Because testing responds to the histamine reaction, patients need to stop taking certain medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and beta-blocking medications. Avoiding or limiting your caffeine containing liquids is also recommended.
Are there any side effects?
Because you will be exposed to allergens, swollen red itchy bumps may occur. This can be bothersome but will usually disappear after a few hours. Applying hydrocortisone cream usually helps.
What are Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)?
Allergy shots or allergy immunotherapy are a form of allergy treatment where each shot contains a small amount of the specific allergens that trigger your allergic reactions. The shots work similarly to the way vaccinations work. As your body responds to specific allergens a small amount of the offending allergens are injected into your body which is enough to cause your body to react to the allergens, but not enough to cause the allergic symptoms you normally experience. These shots are given regularly and in increasing dosages helping your body tolerate the allergen – similarly to developing immunity to them. Over time your allergy symptoms can decrease and even be eliminated.
Are there any side effects?
Because you will be exposed to allergens, swollen red itchy bumps may occur. This can be bothersome but will usually disappear after a few hours. Applying hydrocortisone cream usually helps.
There are two phases in immunotherapy:
Build-up phase
– This is the initial phase when allergy shots are received usually on a weekly basis. With each visit your injections will contain increasing amounts of the allergens allowing your body to build a tolerance. This will continue until your ‘effective dose’ is reached and then you will move on to the maintenance phase of you allergy injections.
Maintenance Phase
– The time it takes to reach the maintenance phase will vary depending on the severity of your reactions but usually take between 3-6 months. Once you move to the maintenance phase, your effective dose will be given during each visit – but there are longer periods of time between each treatment. For instance, instead of weekly treatments you may only require monthly treatments. The exact time and treatment plan will depend again on your allergen sensitivity and will be determined by the allergy specialist.
Commitment
While immunotherapy is a very effective treatment plan to prevent allergy symptoms and the onset of sinusitis and other conditions, there is a long commitment – Usually between 2-5 years. While it may sound overwhelming, most patients see noticeable improvements after the first year and by year 3 are successfully desensitized. You can compare this to the lifetime of taking allergy medications which only mask the symptoms and do not treat the actual underlying cause. Our specialists are here to discuss the benefits, risks and overall commitment of undergoing allergy treatment and if it’s right for you.