Allergy

Introduction

Allergies are caused by the body reacting to otherwise harmless substances called allergens. Some examples of inhaled allergens are mold, dust, animal dander, tree, weed and grass pollens. Allergies are caused by repeated exposure to the specific allergens. Not everyone becomes allergic, but family history is a major factor in the development of allergies. If others in your family have allergies, you are more likely to develop them too. Allergies cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, runny nose, sneezing, post nasal drip and watery and itchy eyes. Allergies can also cause nasal polyps, asthma, recurrent ear fluid, skin conditions and chronic sinus and ear infections. Food and chemical allergies to cigarette smoke and perfume, for example, can also produce these symptoms.
 

The Allergic Reaction

When you inhale an allergen, it causes your body to produce antibodies that attach to mast cells, which are specialized immune cells. When you are exposed to the allergen again, it attaches itself to the antibody-mast cell complex and releases chemicals stored in the mast cell. The best known of these is histamine which irritates the body’s tissues. This can affect your nose, ears, eyes, lungs, throat, intestines and skin. Problems like repeated sinusitis, nasal polyps, eustachian tube dysfunction and asthma can be caused by this allergic irritation and inflammation.
 

The Patient Evaluation

One of our physicians must refer you for an allergy evaluation. The testing is done by one of our allergy nurses in our Fairfax and Centreville offices. When you are seen for an allergy evaluation you will be asked to complete an allergy history form. This form helps direct you, your doctor and the nurse to define symptoms and possible allergies. The form will be reviewed and discussed by the nurse with you during the allergy testing. Once the testing is finished the nurse will review the results and discuss possible treatment options with you. A follow-up visit is then scheduled with the doctor that referred you for the test. You and your doctor will confer and choose a treatment plan that is best for you.
 

Allergy Testing

The most common methods doctors use is skin testing, which takes place in our office and lasts 1or 2 hours. The skin is pricked with series of specific allergens and the reactions are measured to decide if there is an allergy and its severity. Before the test you will have to stop certain medications which may interfere with it. The testing is done on your upper and lower arms and involves a prick or injection of allergen serum just under the surface of your skin and 20 minutes later the reaction is measured. The second half of the test is a series of injections with various concentrations of allergen solutions to determine the severity of your allergies. If an individual is not a candidate for skin testing, allergies can also be diagnosed with blood work. To choose the best method for you contact the allergy nurse in one of our offices. We test for molds, dust, dust mites, cat, dog, grasses, weeds and tree pollens.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with allergies there are a variety of treatment options available. You can take medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays for the allergies. People with allergies should also avoid or minimize exposure to environmental allergens. This can entail encasing your mattress and pillows in dust mite proof covers, using a HEPA air filter, keeping pets out of the bedroom, and replacing feather pillows with synthetically filled ones. Immunotherapy is another option which involves weekly allergy shots. After being tested, you and your doctor can determine the best treatment plan.

Instructions for Allergy Testing

Please make us aware of any medications you are taking. Do not take antihistamines for seven days prior to your skin testing appointment.

Please bring to our attention if you are currently taking a Beta Blocker, tricyclic antidepressant or an MAO inhibitor. Beta Blockers are often prescribed for hypertension, cardiac problems and migraine headaches.

You will be given an Allergy History Questionnaire to complete and bring back when you are tested.

Allergy skin testing takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. Please wear a short sleeved or sleeveless shirt.

Please do not wear scented products (body lotion, perfume, cologne, hairspray, etc.) when being seen in the allergy department for either testing or treatment as they may affect other patients. If it is necessary to cancel your test, please notify us at least 24 hours before your appointment. If we are not notified and you do not show up for your appointment, there will be a $100.00 missed appointment charge.

To schedule an appointment for testing, please call Barbara Dolny, RN in our Centreville office at (703) 968-3562 or Rachael Price, RN in our Fairfax office at (703) 573-7600 x1167.