Post-Allergy Testing: Patient Information  

What happens after allergy testing has been completed?

It is very important to us that you know what to expect once allergy testing has been completed. We will do our best to help you understand your allergic condition, as well as the whole testing and treatment process.

What treatment options are available?

Allergy symptoms will improve if you can minimize exposure to the offending allergens. Therefore, the first and most important part of treatment is making changes in your home and work environment to minimize exposure.

If you have done all you can to decrease exposure and symptoms still persist, you may need to take medication to help control your symptoms. There are many types of antihistamines, decongestants, mucous thinners, and nasal sprays available. Finding the right medication often requires a trial-and-error period.

If you have been taking medication on a consistent basis and you do not feel that the medication is working, allergy injections may be more helpful. If symptoms are making it difficult for you to function at work or school or if symptoms are interfering with sleep or causing frequent infections, you will be offered the option of  immunotherapy. Medications can only treat the symptoms but immunotherapy treats the cause of your symptoms. Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system and decreases the need for medications.

If you are allergic to airborne molds, you will also be encouraged to decrease the mold-ferment foods in your diet. These foods include: mushrooms, aged cheeses, vinegars, beer, wine, and yeast.

If you smoke, we strongly recommend that you quit. You will never obtain full benefit from allergy treatment as long as you continue to smoke. 

Please make sure that we have your most up-to-date contact information and a phone number where you can easily be reached. This ensures our staff will be able to reach you if we need to reschedule your shot appointment due to an emergency or schedule change. We would not want you to be inconvenienced with coming in and  then being unable to get your shot.