Achieve Control of Allergies and Asthma

Allergy Testing

Allergy skin testing is highly effective at detecting the presence of immune proteins (IgE) to various allergens (food, airborne, and venom). The test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of allergen and then noting the presence of a reaction 20 minutes later. To ensure accurate results, patients must stop taking all forms of antihistamines at least five (5) days before an allergy skin test. Please click the button below for a full list of antihistamines.

Medication List (stop 5 days before skin testing)

Pulmonary Function Testing

To diagnose asthma and other lung conditions, it may be necessary to undergo pulmonary function testing, which includes spirometry and/or exhaled nitrous oxide breath testing (FeNO). In these types of tests, a computer will measure lung function and/or nitrous oxide levels. Patients may be administered inhaled medications to see how their lung function changes in response to the medication. These tests are highly accurate at assessing your lung function and aid the physician in making a diagnosis of asthma and/or other lung conditions.

Patch Testing

Some rashes may be due to a condition known as contact dermatitis. This condition can occur from exposure to some plants (poison ivy), chemicals found in the environment, metals, cosmetics, soaps, lotions, medications, and even food. In patch testing, patches containing chemical allergens are placed on the patient’s back. The patches are removed 48 hours later and results are recorded at 48 and 72 hours, though sometimes a longer waiting period is required. This type of testing helps isolate the cause of many types of contact dermatitis.

Allergen Immunotherapy

Allergen Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a proven method to help desensitize or "re-train" the immune system of allergic individuals. Allergy shots contain no medicine, just the pure protein extracts of the allergens to which a patient is allergic. Shots build up in strength over time and gradually allow the allergic individual to tolerate their allergic triggers. Allergy shots are currently available for the treatment of environmental allergies (pollens, dust mites, molds, animal dander) and venom allergies (fire ants, bees, wasps, etc.). Ask your doctor if allergy shots may be a treatment option for you.

Accelerated Immunotherapy

Some patients may be a candidate for rapid desensitization, also known as Rush Immunotherapy or Cluster Immunotherapy. Rapid desensitization shortens the build-up phase for allergy shots. This procedure can hasten protection, which is helpful in patients with life-threatening venom allergy, or hectic work, school, or travel schedules. Ask an allergist at Mid-Cities Allergy & Asthma Center whether you may be a candidate for this type of immunotherapy.

Skin Biopsy

For certain difficult-to-diagnose rashes, it may be necessary to perform a skin biopsy. In this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied and a small piece of the affected tissue is taken and sent to the pathology lab. Biopsies can be very helpful in determining the cause of certain skin conditions.