Allergy
You don’t have to live in discomfort or pain from your ENT or allergy disorder. The board-certified physicians at Austin ENT & Allergy are expertly trained to help you find the best treatment options for your allergies.
Allergy Treatment Options
After accurately diagnosing your allergies, we discuss treatment options, including allergy drops and allergy shots.
Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy - SCIT)
Allergy shots involve injecting small doses of the allergen over time, gradually desensitizing the immune system.
- Candidates: Individuals with controlled or mild asthma, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, and allergic otitis media. Suitable for patients over the age of 5.
- Procedure: Weekly injections during the build-up phase (six months or longer), followed by monthly injections during the maintenance phase (three to five years).
- Benefits: Significant improvement in allergy symptoms and overall quality of life.
Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy - SLIT)
Allergy drops offer an alternative to allergy shots, involving the administration of allergen drops under the tongue.
- Convenience: Can be administered at home.
- Cost: Fewer visits to the allergy office, reducing overall treatment cost.
- Candidates: Children, individuals with sensitive health conditions, fear of needles, mold allergies, asthma, and multiple allergies.
- Procedure: Daily administration for about three years.
- Benefits: Effective for a wide variety of allergies and minimal side effects, such as oral itching or throat irritation.
What to Expect at an Allergy Testing Appointment
During your initial visit, expect a detailed discussion about factors contributing to your allergic responses, including family history, medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. This conversation serves as a starting point for significant improvements in your quality of life.
- Discussion: Be prepared to share the frequency, triggers, and severity of your allergic reactions.
- Testing Recommendation: Based on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy testing.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Allergy Management
After identifying your allergies and establishing a management plan, periodic follow-up meetings ensure consistent positive results through ongoing treatment.
- Frequency of Skin Tests: Subsequent skin tests may be scheduled every two years or when allergy symptoms occur.
- Consistent Monitoring: Your care team will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more, please call our office or schedule an appointment online to visit one of our convenient locations in Austin, Texas.
