Why Suffer From Allergies?
Jeffrey S. Masin, MD has implemented allergy testing and multiple customized treatment services to its already extensive services offered to patients. The new allergy services include the gold standard in testing and two custom-formulated immunotherapy methods for desensitizing allergies over time that has been proven to effectively alleviate allergy symptoms for life.
“We want the best possible care and treatment for our patients,” says Dr. Masin. “This service can significantly increase our patients’ quality of life by reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms and discomfort.”
Patients who suffer from seasonal allergies can be tested at our practice for the 58 most geographically-specific mold and airborne allergens in the area. The medications, called allergy immunotherapy, are then custom-formulated based on the allergy test results and help desensitize patients to many of the pollens, molds and other triggers that cause their symptoms. This desensitization therapy can allow patients to be around those allergens without having an allergic reaction such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, congestion, sleepiness, headache and nausea.
Allergy Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions
Allergen immunotherapy is a form of treatment aimed at decreasing an individual’s sensitivity to substances called allergens. It involves introducing increasing amounts of allergens to a patient over several months. Immunotherapy is administered in the comfort of the patients’ home, instead of some common allergy therapies that require an appointment at the physician’s office, saving patients time and money.
Our office offers two types of allergy immunotherapy: sublingual immunotherapy drops (SLIT) and subcutaneous immunotherapy injections (SCIT). Our newest treatment option, SLIT, is incredibly convenient. Patients are given their immunotherapy in a dropper bottle and dispense the drops under their tongue. This is a great alternative to shots, especially for children and those with a needle phobia. The treatment is also very affordable, costing around $50 a month.
Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to “cover up” allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy immunotherapy can change the underlying problem of allergies. This occurs because the body treats the therapy much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing allergic antibodies against triggers, and therefore won’t have allergic responses when exposed to the allergens. These changes can last for many years even after stopping allergy immunotherapy. Recent studies show that allergy immunotherapy can also prevent people from developing new allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in children with nasal allergies.
“The testing is not painful. A tiny comb gently scratches or abrades the skin surface. After the test is performed, it takes about 15 minutes to develop. A positive test will appear as a raised, red bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite,” says Dr. Masin.