Allergy treatment & testing in Houston

Skin prick testing: It is a widely used, cost-effective method with quick results. It has a high sensitivity, but false positives can occur.

Intradermal testing: This test is more sensitive than skin prick testing and can help detect allergies missed by the skin prick test. However, it has a higher risk of false positives and may cause more discomfort.

Blood testing: Blood tests, such as ImmunoCAP or ELISA, measure allergen-specific IgE levels in the blood. They are less sensitive than skin tests but are useful for people who cannot undergo skin testing due to skin conditions, medications, or risk of severe reactions.

No single test is 100% accurate, and a combination of tests and medical history analysis may be needed to identify the cause of your symptoms. It's essential to consult with an allergist or healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate testing method for your situation.

Allergen immunotherapy: Also known as allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), this treatment involves gradually exposing the immune system to small amounts of the allergen to build tolerance. Immunotherapy can be highly effective for many people, reducing symptoms and the need for medication.

First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine) often cause more side effects than second-generation antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine).

Common side effects of first-generation antihistamines include:

1. Drowsiness or sedation
2. Dry mouth, nose, and throat
3. Blurred vision
4. Difficulty urinating or urinary retention
5. Constipation
6. Dizziness
7. Confusion, especially in older adults

Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and other side effects, but some people may still experience mild side effects such as:

1. Headache
2. Dry mouth
3. Nausea
4. Dizziness
5. Fatigue

Yes, many insurance plans consider allergy shots as a medically necessary treatment for individuals with allergies that are not well-managed through medication or avoidance measures.

Allergy tablets and drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), are an alternative to allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) for treating allergies. SLIT involves placing a tablet or drops containing a small amount of the allergen under the tongue, where it is absorbed by the immune system. Both SCIT and SLIT work by gradually increasing allergen exposure to build tolerance and reduce allergic symptoms.

In general, SLIT is considered to be less effective than SCIT, but it is still a viable treatment option for certain allergies. SLIT has been shown to be effective for treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma caused by pollen, dust mites, and pet allergens.

However, SLIT is currently approved only for a limited number of allergens, unlike SCIT, which can be tailored to treat a wider range of allergies. Additionally, the results of SLIT can vary among individuals, and some people may respond better to SCIT than to SLIT.

A key advantage of SLIT is that it can be self-administered at home, which can be more convenient and less invasive than receiving allergy shots. It's important to consult with an allergist or healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific allergies and circumstances.