Frequently Asked Questions
Testing and immunotherapy for allergy sufferers
Environmental allergy symptoms may include the following: sneezing, itchy, runny or congested nose, post nasal drip, itchy, red, watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, sinus inflammation/pain, or in some cases skin reactions such as eczema or raised, itchy, red rash (hives). Wondering if you have allergies or just a cold? Take our two-minute allergy quiz.
Environmental allergies are the response your body has to allergen triggers that you come into contact with or inhale during your day-to-day activities. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and mold.
Yes, most insurance plans cover allergy testing and immunotherapy. We will verify insurance benefits prior to testing.
The allergy test is not painful. A multi-headed percutaneous test device gently pricks or abrades the skin’s surface. After the test is performed, it takes about 15 minutes to develop. A positive test will appear as a raised red bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite.
Primary care providers, pediatricians, ENT’s, and other healthcare professionals routinely offer environmental allergy testing in their practices. Providers who work with United Allergy Services are equipped to offer allergy skin-prick testing in-office on the day of your appointment. Ask your physician today if they offer environmental allergy testing through United Allergy Services to schedule an allergy test conveniently located at your provider’s clinic.
The test takes approximately 30 minutes to administer and 15 minutes to register the results – so you don’t have to wait long to learn the possible cause of your allergies.
Adults and children over the age of two years can be tested for allergies. This is especially helpful for patients who suffer with allergic asthma, allergic pneumonitis, conjunctivitis, undiagnosed cough, atopic dermatitis (skin irritation), insect allergy, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic urticaria (hives) and angioedema (similar to hives, but beneath the skin).
You will be tested for the most frequent geographically specific seasonal and perennial allergens in your area. We will test for products from dust mites, proteins from pet hair and dander, trees, grass and weed pollens, molds and cockroach allergens. UAS does not test or treat for food or stinging insect related allergies.
In order to achieve the most accurate test results, you should discontinue any antihistamines, over-the-counter or prescription, for at least three days or longer depending on the medication prior to allergy testing. You may safely resume the use of antihistamines once you begin immunotherapy for allergies.
One in five people suffer from symptomatic allergies. These symptoms can vary greatly from minor discomfort to severe disability. The cost of allergies can be significant when factoring in lost productivity and days off from work and school. Combined with expensive drugs that serve only to mask the symptoms, the average cost to patients can be upwards of $2,000 per year.
Allergen immunotherapy is a form of treatment aimed at decreasing your sensitivity to substances called allergens. Immunotherapy for allergies involves introducing increasing amounts of an allergen to a patient over several months.
Allergens are selected based on an assessment from your provider and also your reaction to specific seasonal and perennial allergens that you have been tested for.
The course of immunotherapy varies by individual. The initial full course of immunotherapy for allergies is one to three years, but symptom relief can and often does occur after one year of treatment. Completing three to five years of treatment has shown long-term benefits.
Relief from allergies varies by individual and by modality. However, relief can occur within the first few months of treatment and is typically seen within the first year.
Yes, immunotherapy is very effective in greatly decreasing or even eliminating the symptoms of allergies. Up to 85% of allergy sufferers receive a complete cure or a noticeable reduction in allergy symptoms. Read and watch testimonials from many happy patients who have found lasting allergy relief through immunotherapy.
Yes, most insurance plans cover allergy testing and immunotherapy. We will verify insurance benefits prior to testing.
You will have a visit with your physician to discuss the results of your allergy test and why immunotherapy is recommended; at three and six months of immunotherapy; and every six months from then on.
Following your immunotherapy schedule and remaining compliant will help ensure you get the most benefit from your immunotherapy program.
Limiting your immunotherapy to just the spring and summer does not give your immune system time to adapt to allergens which cause you to have symptoms. Immunotherapy injections are required year-round to experience the long-term benefits.
Allergen immunotherapy is a form of treatment aimed at decreasing your sensitivity to substances called allergens. Immunotherapy involves introducing increasing amounts of an allergen to a patient over several months.
Allergens are selected based on an assessment from your provider and also your reaction to specific seasonal and perennial allergens that you have been tested for.
The course of immunotherapy varies by individual. The initial full course of immunotherapy is one to three years, but allergy symptom relief can and often does occur after one year of treatment. Completing three to five years of allergy treatment has shown long-term benefits.
While every patient experience is different, most people tend to start feeling better after 3-4 months of consistent immunotherapy drop usage, with long-lasting results occurring after 3+ years.
Sublingual immunotherapy has been proven to be effective in reducing the body’s allergic response to specific environmental allergens. Watch and read patient testimonials from many former sufferers who found long term allergy relief through immunotherapy.
Allergy testing and subcutaneous immunotherapy (shots) are typically covered under most insurance plans, subject to deductible and copayment. Sublingual immunotherapy (drops) is an out-of-pocket expense for patients.
Your provider will determine the appropriate number of visits necessary to monitor progress along your immunotherapy journey. United Allergy Services recommends that providers see their patients 3-4 times a year, but they may require in office pick-up of immunotherapy vials more often.
Following your immunotherapy schedule and remaining compliant will help insure you get the most benefit from your immunotherapy program.
Limiting your immunotherapy for allergies to just the spring and summer does not give your immune system time to adapt to allergens which cause you to have symptoms. Following the dosing protocol for immunotherapy is recommended year-round to experience the long-term benefits.
Children with Allergies
Yes, in addition to being 85 to 95 percent effective, allergen immunotherapy has been shown to prevent the development of asthma.
Food Allergy
When food allergy testing is performed by a qualified provider, it is typically covered by insurance, subject to deductible and copay requirements.
Yes, primary care, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers routinely order food allergy/sensitivity testing. Providers who work with United Allergy Services may be equipped to offer food allergy testing in-office on the say day as your appointment. Call your provider today to find out if their office offers food allergy testing to patients through United Allergy Services.