Saturday, June 28, 2008

How do I start allergy drops?

Allergy drops are custom ordered for each patient based upon the sensitivities that can be identified. Thus, the first step is an office visit to corroborate that allergy is present, and follow that with allergy testing.

Allergy skin tests are the most specific and sensitive method of testing. Qualitative skin tests determine the antigens to which a patient is sensitive. Common antigens are house dust mites, molds, grasses, trees, weeds, and animal hair or dander. Many foods today are also possible antigens, including peanut, cow milk, soy, eggs and wheat. Allergy drops may be prepared using these results and would start at the highest safe concentration.

Quantitative skin tests permit allergists to assess how sensitive the patient is to the test antigens. Allergy drops prepared from these results can safely start at higher concentrations, and patients notice an improvement much quicker.

RAST is a blood test that quantitatively measures the antibodies in the blood stream to the test antigens. While it may not be as sensitive as skin tests, allergy drops may also be prepared using these results.

Once the antigens that contribute to allergy symptoms are identified, the allergy drops are prepared. Our patients begin using one drop per day for the first week, increase to one drop twice per day for the second week, and then increase and stay at one drop three times per day thereafter.

Most of our allergy drops patients stop in our office only once every three months so we can monitor their progress and address any issues or concerns. For those patients who travel long distance to see us, we will ship the drops to them and ask them to stop in for a visit when convenient.

Mother and daughter getting allergy skin tests. Click on the photo to see a You Tube interview with another parent and child.