Allergy Testing & Therapy

Allergy therapy is a treatment that identifies and treats a specific allergy. Many patients’ daily lives are affected by allergens that can cause mild to severe inflammatory reactions. For some, this can cause mild congestion, sneezing and a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, ear infections, chronic headaches, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and inflammation in the body, whereas others may experience life-threatening anaphylaxis – a medical emergency. Allergies can also contribute to things like sinus infections and upper respiratory infections. 

Depending on the type of allergy, a patient’s history with it, and other health factors, the treatment plan will vary. Immunotherapy is a treatment that involves gradually increasing tolerance by increasing exposure to an allergen. It is a customized treatment that lasts from 3-5 years, but it can produce long-lasting relief that reduces the need for antihistamines and corticosteroids.

If you have been routinely afflicted with bothersome or dangerous allergic reactions, consider beginning your immunotherapy journey at Rejenesis Health + Wellness. Our staff consists of a group of highly skilled professionals headed by the guidance of Dr. Kevin Chan. Dr. Chan has had vast clinical experience studying anti-aging remedies, metabolic disorders, and integrative and functional medicine, giving him the well-rounded education he needs to deliver quality care.

To get started with a consultation at our offices, get in touch with one of our locations in Arizona listed below or inquire with our contact form.

Consider filling out our allergy survey, to reveal if Rejenesis approaches are a good fit for you.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an exaggerated immune reaction to a foreign substance. The immune system mistakenly attacks the allergen as if it were harmful, increasing the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, proteins that typically provide defense from the harmful effects of animal venoms and parasites. ⁽¹⁾ With an influx of these proteins, they can cause an inflammatory response in the skin, sinuses, airways, or gastrointestinal tract.

Reactions vary depending on the person and the allergen, but anaphylaxis is the most severe response and is considered a medical emergency. Some of the most serious consequences include loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

Still, over several years with a controlled immunotherapy treatment plan, many can decrease their sensitivity to specific allergens and effectively reduce the likelihood of experiencing an anaphylactic episode. Allergy therapy can also give patients a solution to their everyday discomforts and add to their quality of life. Here are some of the allergies this approach can help treat:

Environmental Allergies

Allergic rhinitis, also called “hay fever”, is usually caused by environmental allergens like pollen, mold, dust, or other irritants that can be breathed in. Some people experience sneezing, itchiness in the mouth or nose, stuffy/runny nose, watery eyes, ear infections, chronic headaches, skin conditions (like eczema, psoriasis), inflammation in the body. These are most common during spring and summer when there are more plants releasing pollen into the air, so these are considered seasonal allergies.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can be difficult to identify since most people’s diets are so varied, but symptoms include gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Mouth tingling sensations, swelling of the tongue, face, and throat, skin hives, and difficulty breathing may also be present. The most well-known food allergies include milk, eggs, nuts, sesame seeds, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Some people can experience long-term consequences of a food allergy, like chronic eczema, a type of skin rash.

Animal and Insect Allergies

Pet allergies may present like hay fever, but sometimes, symptoms are more severe and include difficulty breathing and wheezing. These are most commonly caused by cats’ and dogs’ dead skin flakes, called dander, but feathered pets can also provoke these allergies as well. People can also be allergic to insect bites and stings; mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, fleas, bedbugs, and flies are some of the main culprits.

What Does Allergy Testing Entail?

Depending on the nature of your allergy, we can utilize these ways to identify and properly diagnose your condition: 

Scratch testing takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to register the results, while the finger prick test takes about 5 minutes to perform. We typically test dust mites, pet hair/dander, and cockroach droppings as well as trees, mold grass, and weed pollens of the Arizona regions. Patients who have yet to manage asthma, chronic cough, rhinitis, sinus inflammation, hives, and other allergy-related symptoms can finally find an answer to their health problems with one of these simple tests.

Immunotherapy Treatment Options

Immunotherapy Injections

Allergen-specific immunotherapy usually requires injections with tiny amounts of the allergen present within them. Your treatment will begin with a “build-up phase” in which your provider will administer once-weekly injections and gradually increase the dosage over the next few weeks. This first phase will last around 3 to 6 months, allowing your clinician to make sure that you respond well to each new dosage. Then, they will increase the frequency to 1 to 3 times per week; for certain allergies, they may recommend a more aggressive schedule.

After some time with the new injection schedule, you will begin the “maintenance phase” of your treatment. With this new stage, you will only need a maintenance dose every 4 to 6 weeks for the next 3 to 5 years. After a few years of injection immunotherapy, you will be able to enjoy prolonged relief. You will then be able to speak with your provider about the prospect of stopping therapy. ⁽²⁾

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual allergen sprays are effective alternatives to immunotherapy injections. Rather than injections, this treatment requires that you place a spray under your tongue for 30 seconds then you can swallow. Sublingual spray is used for environmental allergens just like the injectables. With this spray, you can avoid the discomfort of injections and continue your treatment in the comfort of your own home. It is also suitable if you have not responded well to injections in the past. ⁽²⁾

Factors That Affect Your Treatment Plan

Immunotherapy is a highly personal decision, but you and your provider can work together to find out if it best suits your needs. In general, your plan will depend on: 

Results

You can expect some relief from your allergies within the first 3 months of your treatment, but it will depend on your specific allergy and your body’s unique physiology. In people with insect sensitivities, studies have shown that immunotherapy is around 98% effective. ⁽²⁾ In those with allergy-related asthma and rhinitis, trials found that patients were able to sustain relief years after initial immunotherapy. ⁽³⁾ By speaking with Dr. Chan or another clinician at Rejenesis, you can find out how allergy therapy can transform your life for the better.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, you can discuss your concerns with a provider who can give you more insight into your condition. They will formulate a personalized plan and address any questions you may have about the process. Immunotherapy is a lengthy treatment, but you can find results that standard medications will not be able to provide. Your provider will be sure to use the appropriate method of allergy testing to confirm the exact cause of your symptoms. If you want to learn more in-depth information about our medications, your provider will be able to go over it with you at your first appointment. They will want you to feel confident and comfortable with your decision to undertake immunotherapy.

To speak with one of our qualified professionals today, call or visit one of our offices nearest you or use our contact form. 

Cost of Allergy Testing & Therapy in Phoenix

The cost of your allergy testing and therapy will depend on your specific allergy test (scratch, finger prick, or blood work) and the extent of your immunotherapy plan. Your provider will give you a detailed quote of all the costs involved, taking into consideration that these therapies can continue for years. Many insurance plans cover these types of treatments since they are considered medically necessary, and we will verify your coverage before testing.

References

1. Sutton BJ, Davies AM, Bax HJ, Karagiannis SN. IgE Antibodies: From Structure to Function and Clinical Translation. Antibodies. 2019;8(1):19. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antib8010019 
2. Moote W, Kim H, Ellis AK. Allergen-specific immunotherapy. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2018;14(S2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-018-0282-5 
3. Fritzsching B, Contoli M, Porsbjerg C, et al. Long-term real-world effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma: Results from the REACT study, a retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100275

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