One in five Americans have allergies, abnormal immune system reactions to substances that are harmless to most people.
Allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus pressure or pain
- Headache
- Use of multiple medications
Treatment options include:
- Avoidance measures
- Medications
- Allergy shots or “subcutaneous therapy”
- Allergy drops or “sublingual therapy”
- Combination of the above
To help manage your allergies at home, here are some things you can do:
- Keep pets off sofas and out of bedrooms. Bathe them weekly.
- Have a professional clean your home’s air ducts and install an air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter.
- Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in special allergen-proof fabric covers. Wash bedding in hot water every seven to ten days.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Avoid carpeting on concrete or damp floors.
- Replace carpet with hardwood, tile or linoleum.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent.
- Keep mold from growing on houseplants by putting pebbles on top of the soil. Try not to overwater.
- Clean mold growth on hard surfaces with water and detergent. If necessary, use a bleach solution with four parts water to one part bleach instead of a cleaner. But don’t mix the bleach solution with other cleaners. Dry the area thoroughly.
Allergy Testing
Allergy Testing is usually a two-part procedure. The first involves state-of-the-art modified quantitative testing (MQT).
Northside ENT is one of the few healthcare providers in Central Indiana using the MQT testing method. MQT involves the use of plastic multi-pronged devices, which apply antigens to your back in less than 15 seconds.
There is minimal discomfort. And the test is well tolerated by adults and children.
Your test results will be read and recorded just 20 minutes after application of the test. These results will indicate if the second test called “intradermal” testing is required. Not everyone will need this secondary type of testing.
Intradermal testing involves the placement of small bubbles on the surface of the skin on your upper arm. This testing also involves minimal discomfort. And the results are read and recorded in just 15 minutes.
Allergy testing can identify your allergies, and Northside ENT can help you manage them.
For more information, visit the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
We hope you will call one of our allergy specialists at (317) 844-5656 or (800) 556-5456.
Click here to download our allergy brochure.
