Allergy testing is the first step in treatment, as it offers a conclusive discovery of the items you are allergic to. While some patients may know what they are allergic to, others may need testing to determine the cause. Once the allergen has been identified, our staff can help you find a treatment to make your symptoms more manageable or even build a tolerance.
Allergy Treatments at Florida ENT Associates
Allergies are a condition in which the immune system abnormally reacts to a specific substance. This is often an overreaction to something that, for most others, is not harmful or dangerous. There are several forms of allergies, including environmental, food, and medication. Environmental allergies include pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain types of grass. Allergies can also have varying degrees; some patients may notice a slight skin rash, while for others, it can cause more severe symptoms.
Available Treatments
- Allergy testing
- Allergy shots
- Allergy drops
- Biologic therapy
- Food allergy testing
- Penicillin allergy testing
Allergy Testing
Some patients know exactly the items that they are allergic to. For others, the source of their allergies may not be as clear. Patients can experience allergies to foods, medications, or environmental factors. When you are unaware of your allergen, you can experience recurring symptoms without knowing the cause or what you should change. Our staff offers to test for a range of allergies. Our types of allergy testing include:
Penicillin Allergy Testing
Penicillin allergy testing can be performed through oral testing or a skin test depending on the severity of your allergy and your needs. Our staff will determine which method is best for you and perform the test in our office.
Food Allergy Testing
Florida ENT Associates can test for food allergies using a skin prick test, blood testing, or by eliminating certain foods from your diet at the direction of your provider.
Environmental Allergy Testing
Allergy tests for environmental allergies are performed by injecting a small amount of the potential allergen into your arm and looking for a reaction. Some of the factors we can test for include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold.
Allergy Treatment Methods
After allergy testing, or once the allergen has been determined, our providers can offer treatment. The best course of treatment for some patients is avoiding the allergen, although this is not possible in all cases. We also offer treatments that include:
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are a course of treatment that uses repeated injections to help build a tolerance. The injections are placed in the upper arm and gradually increase in their dosage. The process starts with a couple of injections weekly and then slowly decreases in frequency until just one injection is required each month. This treatment helps patients find lasting relief from their symptoms.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops are a form of immunotherapy that uses a small amount of the allergen to build a tolerance to the allergen. The drops are formulated for your specific allergen and are placed beneath the tongue daily at home. Allergy drops are used for environmental allergies such as grass or ragweed. These drops can help make allergy symptoms more manageable and ultimately stop your symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Allergies?
Allergies can cause patients to experience itchy, watery eyes, congestion, or a runny nose. Different types of allergies can impact your everyday life and cause you to miss out on activities you enjoy. Food allergies can also irritate your stomach, causing pain or discomfort. Some allergies can cause difficulty breathing or respiratory problems in more severe cases.
Why Choose Florida ENT Associates?
At Florida ENT Associates, our specialists can help you find a comprehensive solution to your allergy symptoms. Our offices were founded with the goal of achieving long-term relief. We work towards this goal by offering personalized care that focuses on your unique needs.
Our offices bring together highly-trained specialists, dedicated support staff, and a welcoming environment to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are interested in an appointment at one of our office locations, contact us today. We have offices in Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales, Clermont, and Sebring. Our staff provide treatment for a wide range of ENT conditions and are looking forward to seeing you.