Precision Allergy Testing. Customized Treatment. Excellent Results.
If you currently use over-the-counter and prescription allergy relief medications, you know that they can have uncomfortable side effects. You also know that they don’t address the underlying cause of your symptoms.
That’s why you should talk to your medical provider at ABC Pediatrics about precision allergy testing and the new customized medications that could help you say “Good Bye!” to your allergies forever. Your ABC Pediatrics’ Provider knows that every patient is different. Each responds differently to different allergens. That’s why we custom-formulate every single dosage of our allergy medications specifically for the individual patient.
Unlike over-the-counter and prescription medications that ease your symptoms but may have significant side effects, at ABC Pediatrics, we identify, then treat the cause of your disease with custom medications.
A Smart Solution for Allergy Sufferers.
Mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription allergy medications can ease your symptoms. But they often have unwanted side effects.
The GOOD NEWS: There is now custom medications available that have been specifically designed to resolve your allergy itself.Medications prepared at ABC Pediatrics are unique custom-formulated antigen therapies that can help desensitize you to many of the pollens, molds and other triggers that cause your symptoms and make you uncomfortable. This desensitization therapy can allow you to be around those allergens WITHOUT the common allergic reactions and symptoms you have previously experienced.
With minimal continued maintenance usage, the effects of these medications may last you a LIFETIME!
A Skin Test Pinpoints Your Specific Allergies.
Skin testing is the oldest and most reliable form of allergy testing. Used for over 100 years, skin testing continues to be the “gold standard” for diagnosing allergic disease.
This testing is not painful. A tiny comb gently scratches or abrades the skin surface. After the test is performed, it takes only about 15 minutes to develop. A positive test will appear as a raised, red itchy bump on the skin, like a mosquito bite.
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The skin test reveals allergic disease in miniature. For example, if you think you are allergic to cats, the test will show it. The test helps people see (and feel) a positive allergy to cat dander. This educational experience is much more dramatic for the patient than a printed blood test report revealing a positive cat allergy test.
Your ABC Pediatrics’ Provider Wants the Best for You and Your Health.
The providers at ABC Pediatrics care about you and your health. That’s why he or she is offering you custom allergy solutions. Your ABC Pediatrics’ provider wants the best possible care and treatment for you and, more importantly, to reduce or eliminate your symptoms and discomfort so you can enjoy a more comfortable, better quality of life. Fill out our required Allergy Form using the green button below OR Call 910.892.1333, choosing extension 2241 to speak with either Sandra or Jennifer to arrange for an appointment to begin the process.
Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy. Frequently Asked Questions.
- How is the allergy test performed and is it painful?
The allergy test is not painful. A multiple-headed percutaneous test device gently pricks the skin’s surface. It takes approximately 15 minutes after the test is performed to measure the allergic response. A positive test will appear as a raised, red/whitish bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite.
- How long does the allergy test take?
The test takes approximately 30 minutes to administer and 15 minutes to register the results — so you will know the possible cause of your allergies in less than one hour.
- Who can be tested?
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, rhinits, sinusitis, allergic urticaria (hives), and angioedema (similar to hives, but beneath the skin).
- Which allergens will I be tested for?
You will be tested for the most frequent geographically specific seasonal and perennial allergens in Central and Eastern North Carolina. You will be tested for dust mites, proteins from pet hair and dander, trees, grass, and weed pollens, molds and cockroach allergens. You will not be tested for food or stinging insect related allergies with the skin prick testing. Testing for food allergies can be done in our office, but a blood sample is used to do the testing.
- What is immunotherapy? Allergen Immunotherapy (IT) 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.
- How long will I have to be on IT?
The course of IT varies by individual, but symptom relief is often experienced during the first 3 – 6 months of therapy. Completing three to five years of therapy has shown long term benefits.
- What if I am currently taking antihistamines or allergy medications? Can I still be tested?
In order to achieve the most accurate test results, you should discontinue any antihistamines, over-the-counter medications or prescription medication, 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 IT. An antihistamine therapy regimen is recommended during the build-up phase of IT.
- What are the benefits of allergy testing and IT?
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 $2,000.00 per year.
- Is IT effective in eliminating allergies?
YES! It is very effective in greatly decreasing or even eliminating the symptoms of allergies. Up to 85% of patients report a curative effect or a significant reduction in allergy symptoms.
- What is actually in the IT injections?
Your IT solution contains (or may be comprised of) naturally occurring aero allergens and environmental allergens. The allergens are selected based on your reaction during the allergy test to specific seasonal and perennial allergens and in coordination with the assessment of your allergy history. These allergens can be pollen (trees, grasses, weeds), cat/dog dander, molds and dust mites.
- Is IT effective for children?
YES! In addition to being up to 85% effective, allergen IT has been shown to prevent the development of asthma and other comorbid conditions, as well as reduce the symptoms of existing asthma and comorbid conditions.
- How often will I see my ABC Pediatrics’ provider to discuss my allergies?
You will have an initial visit with your ABC Pediatrics’ provider to discuss the results of your allergy test and why IT is recommended. You will then have periodic visits with one of our Clinical Allergy Specialists (either Sandra or Jennifer) to pick up new IT vials and will receive an evaluation of your progress with the treatment. The frequency of office visits will vary based on whether you choose to have your IT injections given in the office by one of our staff or whether you choose to administer the IT injections at home.
- How can I benefit the most from my IT treatment?
Following your IT schedule and remaining compliant will help ensure you get the most benefit from your IT treatment program.
- My allergy symptoms are only in the spring and summer. Can I receive my IT treatment just at that time?
Limiting your IT to just the spring and summer does not give your immune system time to adapt to allergens which cause your symptoms. IT injections are required year-round to experience the long term benefits of treatment.
- Are the allergy test and IT covered by insurance and Medicaid?
Yes. Most insurance plans and NC Medicaid cover allergy testing and IT. Your insurance benefits will be verified prior to testing.
How can I schedule an appointment?
We would love to help you get rid of your allergy symptoms. You can get started on the road to better living by clicking on this link: ALLERGY QUESTIONNAIRE and following the instructions to complete an allergy questionnaire, or by calling ABC Pediatrics at 910.892.1333 and choosing extension 2241 to speak with either Sandra or Jennifer to arrange for an appointment to begin the process. We are waiting to hear from you. DO NOT let another day go by suffering from allergy symptoms.
Sandra Barrera
