Allergy Relief and ENT Care for Ephrata Residents
People like to think that having allergies is just an annoying part of life. After all, how bad can it be? Yes, dealing with itchy, watery eyes, runny noses, congestion, and wheezing has always been the most irritating part of having allergies. However, for some Ephrata residents, allergic reactions can lead to serious asthma or even anaphylactic shock. Regardless of how serious your reactions are, you don’t have to live with your allergies. When Ephrata patients want a long-term treatment plan that will provide allergy relief, they call upon an experienced allergist at Moffit & Mesaros ENT.
At Moffit & Mesaros ENT serving Ephrata, PA, we’re a team of ear, nose, and throat pediatricians, doctors, physicians, caretakers, and nurses who do everything possible to help our patients live healthier, better, and more enjoyable lives. That requires a commitment to providing patient-focused care where every member of our ENT team is focused on providing personalized treatment plans and solutions that our patients understand and can get behind.
Allergy Relief for Food Allergies & Sensitivities
When you meet with an allergist at our ENT center, you’re meeting with an experienced professional who has the knowledge and understanding of how to identify your allergens. Their focus is to work alongside a committed ENT team to ensure you have a customized allergy treatment plan that produces long-term results. For some Ephrata patients, that can sometimes include taking certain prescriptions or even some over-the-counter medications. However, the first all-important step is to determine exactly what allergens cause you so many problems. This requires an allergist from our ENT center to use one or more of the three separate allergy tests.
The first test involves a skin prick test. With this test, our allergist will create a grid pattern on your forearm with a light pen or marker. Next, each portion of this grid will have a droplet added. Each droplet will be a different type of allergen. If your skin reacts and becomes itchy, then you’re allergic to that allergen.
The next test is a blood test. With this test, an allergist takes a sample of blood. That sample is then processed at a laboratory that introduces different allergens to the blood sample to identify the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies within your blood. These immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced by your immune system when you experience an allergic reaction.
Finally, a food allergy test may be used if either of the first two tests don’t generate any results or if the allergist feels your allergies are caused by reactions to certain foods. In this test, our allergist is supported by an entire ENT team that monitors your reaction to incredibly small amounts of food. So, whether you’re dealing with allergies, have a child or infant with an earache or fever, or have a parent or senior needing an experienced hearing doctor near Ephrata, we’re the ENT team you’re looking for.
What is An Allergy Test?
- An allergy test is a medical procedure used to identify substances (allergens) that trigger allergic reactions in an individual.
- It involves exposing the body to small amounts of potential allergens through skin tests or blood tests.
- Common allergens tested include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, and insect stings.
- The results help doctors create a personalized treatment plan, such as allergy medications or immunotherapy, to manage symptoms.
Treatment Options for Seasonal & Environmental Allergies
Once our allergist has identified your specific allergens, they can develop a long-term treatment plan. This often involves avoiding certain allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. It can also include you taking some nasal corticosteroids. However, in many cases, the allergist may decide that you should undergo immunotherapy.
With immunotherapy, an allergist works with you to gradually introduce your immune system to different allergens. Over time, your immune system develops a defense to these allergens, making your allergies much less severe. If you live in Ephrata and want an experienced allergist to help you with your allergies, either with immunotherapy or another long-term solution, contact us now.