Allergies Testing and Treatment
Allergies plaque millions of people all over the world, and is the underlying cause of numerous disease, sinusitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma to name a few. Each year the average consumer spends approximately $600 on average treating congestion and allergies related diseases.
At the Listening Doctor Allergy clinic we perform skin testing to identify specifically which allergens you are allergic to, then we use that information to make a specific immunogenic therapy to treat your allergies in the form of allergy shots. We guarantee a fast testing to treatment time by employing the services of our onsite dispensary for immunogenic compounding. Allergens are regional and we strive to incorporate the best we can from our South Florida pollens, weed, trees and grass. Patients are also tested for common household allergens to include mod and pet dander. We can provide an extensive fungi (mold) testing for patients who believe that their apartment or home is the culprit to a declining health status. Allergy testing is painless and rarely involves needles, except when testing for venom. Although we test for a few very common good items we have the capability to test to other food allergens, we also promote testing food allergen by blood testing.
Our allergy clinic has partner with a national immunogenic pharmacy to provide sublingual immunotherapy treatment SCIT, options to our patients. SCIT is not yet FDA approved in the United States but, it is currently used in Europe and in Canada as an effective, needless treatment option for allergies due to pollen.
The program is designed to last 3 to 5 years based on the individual patient, however, the initial desensitization treatment program last 40 weeks, followed by monthly allergy shots for 3 years. We have a very successful allergy clinic supervised by Dr. Moulton. Primary Care is usually the first stop for most patients with allergy and asthma. We are proud to offer the expertise to our patients. Dr. Moulton employs a Mayo Clinic trained ENT and Allergy experience to our patients.
Allergy testing and treatment, is covered by most insurance. We also perform eligibility checks for authorization for the testing codes prior to service rendered.
The Listening Doctor | Allergy Skin Test Consent Form
Avoid taking Anti-histamines. [Claritin, Allegra, Xyzal] 3-4 days before your allergy skin test.
Are you taking Beta-Blockers? If you are taking Atenol, Metoprolol or any beta blockers, please inform you provider on the day of testing.
Skin tests are a method of testing for allergic reactions to substances, or allergens and is safe when performed under supervision. The test consists of applying small amounts of allergens onto the skin and observing if you develop a positive reaction. GREER National guide is used to determine allergens of tree, grass and weed pollens common to your region. Additionally, you will test in addition to a variety of mold spores, smut, house-hold allergens and non- anaphylactic foods. Separate blood tests can be ordered by your physician for confirmation of food allergy for items that are considered to be anaphylactic and life threatening.
Reason for skin testing
Testing allows your doctor to determine how likely it is that allergens play a role in your symptoms. Some conditions like non-allergic rhinitis, food allergy, infection or gastric reflux may produce symptoms identical to allergic rhinitis and can be difficult to distinguish without testing. Another important reason for testing is identification of your specific allergic triggers. Identifying your triggers is critical for serious allergy sufferers since one of the keys to effective treatment is avoidance of those triggers.
What is a skin test
The skin test involves applying several non-invasive plastic testing applicators to your back. The devices have no needles and do not break the skin.
Potential Side Affects
Skin testing may be uncomfortable but does not involve needles, and usually well tolerated other than itching and redness. If you currently have asthma attack recovering from an attack that is difficult to control (frequent wheezing, shortness of breath or frequent inhaler usage) you should not undergo skin testing because of the increased risk for a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Blood tests should be done instead.
*Pregnant women should not undergo allergy skin testing. A pregnancy test will ordered if you are unsure if you are pregnant.