Allergy Center
Sinus and nasal allergy symptoms and issues can be complex. At Triangle Sinus Center, we utilize a team based approach to find a solution and improve your quality of life.
Nasal And Sinus Allergies
If you are suffering with sneezing, itchy and/or watery eyes, runny nose, post nasal drip, scratchy throat, or nasal congestion, you may have nasal allergies. Also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, seasonal or year-round allergies are one of the most common yet overlooked diseases affecting up to 20 million Americans annually.
Allergy Testing
At Triangle Sinus Center we utilize two types of allergy tests.
Types of Testing:
Modified Quantitative Testing (MQT) or Skin Prick Testing —This is the most common type of allergy test in which we expose your skin to a variety of allergens and then observe for a reaction. Based on this test we can rule in/out allergies, determine which specific allergen is the cause, and measure the severity levels of each. The results from this test are vital to providing a customized treatment plan.
ImmunoCAP Testing — As an alternative to MQT, ImmunoCAP is a simple blood test which measures sensitivities.
Allergy Treatment
Immunotherapy is the standard treatment modality for managing allergies. In this treatment you are given a very tiny amount of the substance/allergen (via shots or drops) to which you are allergic enough to stimulate your immune system but not so much as to cause a full-blown allergic reaction. Over time, your immune system will build up a tolerance to the allergen and allergy symptoms will diminish.
Allergy Shots
Patients receive subcutaneous immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, when trying to treat allergic conditions affecting the nose and eyes, ears, and lungs. They are effective for heading off reactions to many allergens including mold, house dust, animal dander, and insect stings. Treatments are typically given once a week, sometimes more often, for about seven months.
Allergy Drops
Sublingual allergy drops are an alternative to allergy shots. Similar to shots, allergy drops gives patients a small dose of what they are allergic to on a regular basis. Allergy drops allow patients to eventually become immune to the allergen or lessen their symptoms.
Unlike allergy shots, allergy drops put small amounts of the allergen under the tongue in a sugar solution every day. This can be done in the convenience of the patient’s home until the solution need to be refilled. By not having to come into the office for shots and waiting after the administration, allergy drops are extremely convenient and a huge time saver.