Diagnosis, Procedure, and Treatment of allergic and pulmonary conditions can vary depending on the severity and duration of the discomfort, reaction, and/or condition. We specialize in a variety of allergy and asthma testing procedures and treatments. At Advanced Asthma & Allergy, we use our expertise in the most current testing methodologies and procedures to diagnose our patients. A brief description of some of the treatment and diagnostic procedures we offer is listed below.
Procedures
Allergy skin testing – The scratch, or more accurately, the prick-puncture test (one of the most common methods) involves the placement of a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) on the skin (usually the forearm, upper arm, or the back), and then pricking the skin so that the allergen is introduced under the skin surface. The skin is observed closely for signs of a reaction, usually swelling and redness of the site – a controlled hive with a so-called wheal and flare. Results are usually obtained within about 20 minutes, and several suspected allergens can be tested at the same time. This is a screening test.
A similar method involves the injection of a small amount of allergen under the surface of the skin (intradermal). This test is done in adults as a stronger version of the prick-puncture test (a confirmatory test) and is sometimes done in pediatric patients.
RAST testing – A sensitive and specific blood test for allergies- used in conjunction with allergy skin testing for diagnosis of allergies. RAST stands for radioallergosorbent test, and the CAP-RAST is a specific version of the RAST test with good performance characteristics. It is not necessary to stop taking antihistamines prior to the test.
Immunotherapy (“allergy shots or vaccinations or allergy desensitization”) – A form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollen, dust mites, fungi and stinging insect venom. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of the substance (allergen) to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substances are encountered in the future, and the benefits can last for years after a course of treatment. This is frequently done in lieu of the intradermal test in pediatric patients. We offer accelerated immunotherapy (allergy shots) schedules, sometimes referred to as “rush” or “cluster” protocols for allergy shots. “Rush” or “cluster” immunotherapy protocols are frequently more convenient for the patients and may lead to quicker relief of allergy symptoms.
Drug desensitization– Similar to above, It involves administering gradually increasing doses of the drug to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, However, the effects of this do not last long after the procedure, and the drug must be administered immediately after desensitization in order to take advantage of this time window. The drug can then be given continuously, as in aspirin desensitization, or for a defined period of time, as in an antibiotic. If the course of treatment is interrupted, the desensitization procedure must be performed again.
Administration of immunomodulatory agents – Medications that can increase or suppress immune responses of the body, given for autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiency.
Patch tests – A form of skin testing in which suspected allergens are applied to the skin, covered and observed for several days to see if a reaction occurs. This is often used in identifying the possible causes of allergic contact dermatitis.
Peak Flow – A peak flow meter is a small, hand-held device used to manage asthma by monitoring lung capacity. The peak flow meter measures the patient’s ability to expel air from the lungs, or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). From these changes in measurement, patients and doctors may determine lung functionality, severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment options.
Rhinolaryngoscopy – A procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the nose to look for abnormal areas. Also called nasal endoscopy, this is frequently done in the evaluation of congestion or sinusitis.
Spirometry – This test measures how well the lungs exhale. The information gathered during this test is useful for allergy doctors in diagnosing certain types of lung disorders, but is most useful when assessing for obstructive lung diseases (especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). In a spirometry test, a person breathes into mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that is breathed in and out over a specified time. Some of the test measurements are obtained by normal, quiet breathing, and other tests require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep breath.
Sweat testing – A sweat test is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF). It may be ordered if the doctor thinks a child may have CF. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes sweat glands and other glands, especially those in the pancreas and the air passages of the lungs, to produce abnormally thick, clogging mucus.