Testing and Immunotherapy FAQs

TESTING AND INJECTION

Aeroallergen skin testing is done using the prick and intradermal methods. These methods are used by board-certified allergists and are accepted as the standard method for the diagnosis of allergic disease. Skin testing is not painful, and is the most common and effective method available.
Our routine testing includes approximately 49 common inhalant skin tests, depending on the history of your allergy symptoms. These allergens include pollens, pet dander, molds, and dust mites. The 12 most common food allergens are also included. We also offer testing for some insects Should your prick skin test be negative, we might also perform intradermal skin tests to be sure that important allergen sensitivities are not missed.
IMPORTANT: Certain medications must be stopped prior to allergy skin test. Please do not take medicines that contain antihistamines for approximately five days prior to testing.
Common antihistamines include:
Zyrtec, Clarinex, Atarax, Benadryl, Xyzal, Alavert, Claritin and Allegra.
Common generic antihistamines include:
Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine, Fexofenadine, Levocetirizine, Loratadine, Hydroxyzine and Desloratadine.
Most frequently-used antihistamines:
Benadryl, Advil PM, Tylenol PM and NyQuil.
You should continue to take (as prescribed) the following medications:
Antibiotics, asthma medications, oral steroids, decongestants and all non-allergy medications.
The testing procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

OFFICE INJECTION HOURS

Monday & Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (Closed for the rest of the day)

Every day, the office is closed for lunch from 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

*Patients who receive injections twice a week must have two full days in between injections, therefore, the schedule is: Monday and Thursday, Tuesday and Friday, or Monday and Friday.
*Patients who receive injections once a week or once every other week may come any day of the week that is convenient for them. With any questions regarding allergy injection hours, please feel free to call the office.
Medicine — Doctor Using Tablet in DeSoto, TX
Background
Allergy injections are a treatment plan the patient and the doctor work together to agree upon that will assist in allergy relief. The injections are treatments called immunotherapy that help build up immunity to your specific allergies. Treatment can run five to six years, and can initially take anywhere from six months to a year to take effect. Allergen immunotherapy is the repeated administration of allergen vaccines to allergic individuals in order to provide long-term relief of symptoms and improving the quality of life during subsequent natural allergen exposure.
Immunotherapy is effective in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma, and in patients who develop systemic anaphylactic reactions to fire ants. All patients should be observed in the clinic for at least 15 minutes following injections. In view of the remote risk of serious systemic side effects, the risk/benefit ratio should be carefully considered in all cases.
Long-Term Benefits
Allergen immunotherapy has been proven, in several studies, to confirm long-term benefits following discontinuation. For example, immunotherapy can reduce the onset of new allergen sensitivities in children. In a prospective randomized, controlled trial of pollen immunotherapy in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis, development of asthma was followed over a period of five years. Two years following cessation of immunotherapy, there was a marked reduction in the risk of development of physician-diagnosed asthma (odds ratio 2.7 95% confidence intervals 1.3-5.6), compared to controls (10). Taken together, these studies emphasize the important prophylactic value of injection immunotherapy, which is in contrast to pharmacotherapy, where relapse of symptoms occurs immediately following.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What conditions do you treat?

    We evaluate and treat:

    • Seasonal allergies (pollen)
    • Indoor allergies (dust mites, mold, pet dander)
    • Food allergies
    • Insect sting allergies
    • Hives (urticaria)
    • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
    • Asthma
    • Chronic sinus and nasal allergy symptoms

  • What should I expect during my first visit?

    Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform an examination, and determine whether allergy testing is appropriate. A personalized treatment plan will then be created.

  • How does allergy testing work?

    Skin prick testing is the most common method. Small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to see if a reaction occurs. In some cases, blood testing may be recommended instead.

  • Do I need to stop taking allergy medications before testing?

    Yes. Many antihistamines should be stopped several days before skin testing because they can interfere with results. Your clinic will provide a list of medications and when to stop them.

  • Are allergy tests painful?

    Most people experience only mild discomfort. Skin testing feels like a small pinch or itch and is generally well tolerated by both adults and children.

  • How long does allergy testing take?

    Skin testing typically takes 20–40 minutes, while the entire appointment may last 60–90 minutes.

  • What are allergy shots?

    Allergy shots (immunotherapy) gradually train your immune system to become less sensitive to allergens. They can provide long-term symptom relief for many patients.

  • How long do allergy shots take to work?

    Some patients notice improvement within a few months, but significant benefits often develop after 6–12 months. A full course usually lasts 3–5 years.

  • Are allergy shots safe?

    Yes. They are generally safe when administered in a medical office. Patients are observed for about 30 minutes afterward in case of a rare allergic reaction.

  • Can children receive allergy testing?

    Yes. Allergy testing is safe for children when recommended by their healthcare provider.

  • Can allergies develop later in life?

    Yes. Allergies can appear at any age, even if you have never experienced symptoms before.