FAQ's What is an allergy? An allergy is an abnormal reaction to ordinarily harmless substances. These sensitizing substances, called allergens, may be inhaled, swallowed, or come into contact with the skin. Allergies may cause or contribute to nasal blockage, nasal draining, chest congestion, head aches, sinusitis, itchy eyes, stomach disorders, migraines, and various skin diseases as well as numerous other problems. How do we find out what I am allergic to? Allergy skin tests are one of the most accurate diagnostic tests used by Allergists. These tests determine the presence of allergic antibodies to different pollens and molds. After a complete history and evaluation by the physician, he may recommend testing to determine what you are allergic to. This is done by a series of prick punctures on the back, followed by more comprehensive testing on the upper arm with the allergens to which you are most sensitive. How do I prepare for my allergy testing? Discontinue all antihistamine products for at least 72 hours before your visit (if possible) including Claritin, Allegra, Chlor-Trimeton, and Benadryl. Some antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine (Atarax/Vistaril), Zyrtec, and Doxepin (Sinequan) must be discontinued for at least 7 days. Astelin nose spray must be discontinued for 2 days. If you are taking corticosteroids such as Prednisone (Deltasone), contact our office nurse before discontinuing. Do not discontinue asthma medications. If you do not know what type of medications you are taking, please call our office and speak with a nurse or call your pharmacist. If you are scheduled with Dr. Sljivich and you are taking Elavil and/or Trazadone, you must contact your prescribing physician to get authorization to discontinue these medications prior to testing. These medications will need to be discontinued prior to testing, however, it must be cleared by your prescribing physician. What are "allergy shots"? An "allergy shot" contains a very small amount of the substance to which you have reacted. This may include pollens from weeds, grasses and trees, molds, house dust and dust mites. How do allergy shots work? When you receive a small injection of the allergen to which you are sensitive, your body will make protective antibodies against the allergen. These antibodies will help block the effects of the allergen when you come in contact with it. The antibodies will block your reaction so that your symptoms will become less severe or disappear over time. These may also stimulate the production of certain molecules that suppress the allergic response. Are allergy shots safe? Allergy shots are safe. Because you are receiving a small amount of the substance to which you are allergic, an allergic reaction may occur from the shot. One kind of reaction may be a slight swelling of the site where the shot is administered. Other reactions may include mild flare of your allergic symptoms. Rarely, a person might have severe reactions. This type of reaction is called anaphylaxis and may be very serious. For this reason we strongly advise that you wait in our office for 20 to 30 minutes after receiving an injection. How long will I have to take shots? That is decided on an individual basis with you and your doctor. Usually, immunotherapy is recommended for three to five years for best results. While you may begin to feel better after a few injections, it may take four to six months of immunotherapy before you notice significant relief of your symptoms. Why can't I just take medicine? Antihistamines are for short-term use. They may lose their effectiveness if taken for long term. They are a symptomatic treatment, their effect is transitory only. What is the difference between asthma and allergies? Asthma is obstruction and inflammation of air flow in the bronchial tubes. It is reversible. Allergies are just one of the factors that can trigger asthma. Not all people with asthma are allergic and many people have allergies but do not have asthma. Will we have to get rid of our pets? Pet allergy responds very well to allergy management. Severe animal allergy even responds to treatment if exposures are limited. Heavy exposure to animal dander indoors adds significant risk to an allergic individual to that particular type of allergy. Decrease exposure and complete avoidance is extremely helpful.