If you’re one of the 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, you know they can be a daily struggle. Valeri L. Roth, DO, FAOCO, an ear, nose, and throat specialist in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, provides allergy testing and treatment so patients of all ages can get effective relief from bothersome symptoms. Whether you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, or you have chronic year-round allergies, Dr. Roth can help. Call the office at (724) 342-5890 to schedule an appointment for comprehensive allergy testing and treatments.
Allergy Testing and Treatment Q & A
How do I know if I have allergies?
If you have a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing that’s triggered by environmental factors, you probably have allergies. Many people also get skin rashes, headaches, and scratchy throats, too. While over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms, finding out exactly what you’re allergic to means you can treat the allergy more effectively.
If you suspect you have allergies to environmental factors like pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold, it’s a good idea to get tested by a specialist. Dr. Roth offers allergy skin testing for patients of all ages to determine your specific triggers.
What is allergy skin testing?
Skin testing is a simple, painless test using allergens — the substances you may be allergic to. Dr. Roth or one of her team members applies a drop of various allergens onto tiny scratches on your skin, usually your arm, to see which ones react. If you’re allergic to something, your skin puffs up slightly at the area where that particular allergen was applied. This type of test can help determine if you’re allergic to numerous different allergens.
Allergy skin testing is safe for children and adults and provides extremely useful information so you can begin the most effective course of allergy treatments.
How are allergies treated?
Once you know your specific allergens, Dr. Roth creates a customized allergy treatment plan to provide relief for any of the triggers that caused your skin to react. Your treatment may include avoiding your allergens and taking medications, as well as any of the following types of immunotherapy:
- Allergy injections
- Sublingual drops
- Allergy toothpaste
How do allergy injections work?
Allergy injections are among the most common and effective ways to treat allergy symptoms. Over time, they can alleviate allergy symptoms that affect your nose, eyes, and lungs.
A serum is made that contains your allergens, then Dr. Roth injects a small amount of serum into your arm. In the beginning, you receive tiny amounts of the allergen once or twice a week, then over time the allergen dosage increases, but shots are given farther apart. Most patients receive allergy shots for 3-5 years.
What are allergy sublingual drops?
An alternative to allergy injections, drops containing your allergens are placed under your tongue to help boost your body’s tolerance. Sublingual drops can help alleviate symptoms caused by ragweed, certain types of grasses, and dust mites.
How does allergy toothpaste work?
When shots or drops under your tongue aren’t convenient, allergen-infused toothpaste might be the perfect solution. This innovative treatment allows you to brush your teeth and treat allergy symptoms at the same time. Allergy toothpaste is custom-made to treat your specific allergies, so all you have to do is brush your teeth as you normally would to get relief from annoying allergy symptoms.
Learn more about allergy testing and treatment options by calling the office today at (724) 342-5890.