Immunotherapy | Kenai, AK

Allergy Testing & Treatment

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergy is the result of the interaction between your immune system and an external stimulus, also called an allergen. Allergens include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, foods, insects, and drugs, among others. Symptoms can affect several organ systems, with the most common being nose (congestion, runny nose, sneezing), eyes (itchy, watery, red, and swollen), lungs (asthma), and skin (hives, rash, eczema).

The First Step: Take an Allergy Skin Test

More than 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Finding out what you are allergic to is an important first step to effective allergy treatment. Today allergy tests are more convenient and accurate than ever before.

An allergy skin test is easily administered by a provider. These tests are needle-free and virtually painless. Up to 70 region-specific allergens are tested (an additional 54 allergen food panel may be added to test for food allergies). If you are allergic to one of the allergens, you will have redness and swelling at the test spot. The test itself is performed on your back and should only last about 20 minutes.

Allergy Treatments

At MediCenter we take a multifaceted approach to allergy treatment, beginning with a comprehensive allergy treatment. Many of our patients’ allergies are well managed by a combination of allergen avoidance, medications, and allergy drops, also known as allergy immunotherapy. Medications include antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, nasal antihistamine sprays, decongestants, and more.

Although the standard treatment with immunotherapy is via injections, or allergy shots, research has found that allergy drops are an effective and safe alternative.

How to Schedule

The Advantages of Allergy Drops

Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, are a method of treating allergies by placing drops underneath the tongue. They are similar to allergy shots and involve placing a set amount of physician-dosed antigens under the tongue to help build the body’s tolerance over time. Both methods—drops and shots—are based on the same principle: controlled exposure to extracts over time changes the immune response, effectively creating blocking antibodies and reducing or eliminating allergic symptoms.

Allergy drops are ideal for patients who have severe allergies, bad asthma, or cannot tolerate allergy shots
No needles or injections
No risk of anaphylaxis (throat swelling)
Reduced or eliminated need for allergy and asthma medicines
Effective and safe alternative to conventional allergy shots

Insurance Accepted at MediCenter

Our goal is to provide the highest-quality health care in a timely, welcoming atmosphere.

We will work with you and your insurance provider to determine payment for your care. We believe you should not be surprised by extra bills for getting a consult or treatments.

However, if you don’t have insurance, we offer low-cost appointments and services on a cash basis.

If you have any questions, please call our Patient Account Representative.

907-335-2495