Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.

The immune system produces proteins known as IgE antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn't. This triggers the release of histamines and other substances that cause allergy symptoms.

Allergies can cause symptoms that involve your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis - a potentially life-threatening emergency. Allergies can be identified through teating. Treatment includes medications such as anthistimines, decogestants, nasal sprays and/or allergy immunatherapy. Immunatherapy involves recieving allergy injections which is a natural form of treatment and can actually cure you of your allergies.

At ENT Associates of Nassau County, we use two types of allergy testing

1. Skin Prick Testing

Skin testing is the Gold Standard for environmental allergy testing. Skin testing allows us to rule in/out specific allergens that may be contributing to your symptoms. We can also determine the severity of the allergy based on how much your skin reacts. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan to get your allergies under control! It is pain free, and only takes a few minutes to be performed right in the office!

2. RAST Testing

A simple blood test to determine what you may be allergic to. The results will take approximately 1-2 weeks. We reserve RAST testing for select patients when skin testing is contraindicated.

What are allergy shots?

Immunotherapy is a fancy name for allergy shots. It is the only real cure for allergies. The purpose of immunotherapy is to introduce small levels of an allergen to your body. Over time, your body's response to the allergen will become exhausted, resulting in a resolution of your allergy. Every patient has a unique allergy profile and sensitivity level, therefore, we will create a tailored dose and schedule just for you! 

Are allergy shots a solution for me?

If you are allergic to a specific environmental allergen or allergens, you will likely benefit from immunotherapy. In order to determine what you’re allergic to, skin testing will be necessary. 

What are the benefits of allergy shots?

The allergy shots are the only treatment that addresses the cause of allergy. Other remedies, such as nasal sprays and oral medications only temporarily treat the symptoms. 

By introducing small amounts of the allergen and increasing this exposure over time, the patient will build up tolerance. Most patients will build up enough immunity that they will no longer be bothered by allergens that have affected them for years. 

How long does it take for allergy shots to work?

The purpose of allergy shots is to slowly build up immunity to allergy overtime. Because of this, every patient will respond slightly differently. Typically, allergy shots take a few months to become effective. It is important to know that they aren't meant as an immediate or temporary solution. Instead, they are a permanent solution to your allergies that will take effect over time. 

What are the risks of allergy shots?

There is a very small risk of severe allergic reactions. At the Sinus Centers of Long Island, we take every precaution to prevent this type of reaction, but they may still occur. For this reason, allergy shots are only given in the office while an MD is present.