Lung Function Testing:

Lung function testing also called pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a group of tests that are performed to see how well your lungs work and function. The test measures how much air you take in (inhale), how much air you blow out (exhale), how well your lungs deliver oxygen and the strength of your breathing muscles.

 

The lung function test can diagnose various lung diseases including asthma, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The test may also be used to determine how well treatments and medicines are working to treat lung diseases. Doctors suggest the test when the patient is having symptoms of lung and breathing problems.

 

Skin Testing:

Skin testing is the most reproducible and clinically relevant test currently available for allergy assessment. A small percentage of patients tested may experience reactions such as hives, itching, choking, and wheezing. The type and manner of testing to be performed include:

 

1. Prick Test: A drop of allergenic extract is placed on either the forearm or back, and a needle is used to prick the skin through the drop of extract.

2. Intradermal Test: The allergenic extract is injected into the skin of the upper arm, using a small needle.

 

These tests are then read at 20 minute intervals. Upon completion of this testing, you will be evaluated by a physician, and a diagnosis established. Immunotherapy (injection therapy) may be instituted depending on the correlation of the skin testing results with your symptoms. 

 

Allergy Immunotherapy:

While avoidance is the best defense, it is often impossible to avoid allergens that can trigger your allergies. To relieve the suffering of allergy symptoms, for most inhalant allergies (dust mites, cockroaches, cats, pollen, mold) and stinging insect (bees, wasps) allergies, you can get allergy shots. Allergy shots are also known as "immunotherapy". Recent research has clearly shown the effectiveness of allergen vaccine immunotherapy for both allergic rhinitis and asthma. It is also highly effective for stinging insect allergies.

 

These new studies have confirmed what allergy specialists have observed for years in their patients: Allergy shots work in relieving allergy symptoms! In fact allergy shots are the ONLY way to suppress the underlying allergy response for long-term relief.

 

Medications:

When treating our patients, we use the most advanced medications available. We tailor our treatment plan to each patient's needs, recognizing that every patient is different.

 

We Use the Latest Pharmaceuticals, Which Include:

• Antihistamines & Corticosteroids

• Nasal Sprays

• Lung Inhalers

• Non-Steroidal Lung Sprays

• Bronchodilators

• Leukotriene Modifiers

• Allergy Emergency Medications

• Antibiotics

• Antihistamines

• Cough Medications

• Decongestants

• Eye Drops

• LABA/SABA Metered Dose Inhalers

• Inhaled Steroids

• Topical Medications

• Xolair

• As well as many other advanced medications.

 

Allergy Avoidance Counseling:

Avoidance counseling is the mainstay in treating allergies. We counsel our patients about how to avoid exposure to house dust, mites, mold, animal dander, pollens, as well as drugs and foods they are allergic to.

 

Environmental Modification:

We have partnered with MISSION: ALLERGY®, a manufacturer of allergen-proof encasings, to educate our patients about allergy control and prevention. 

For more information about mattress and pillow allergen-proof encasings, please visit:
http://www.missionallergy.com