Allergy
Allergy specialists at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest specialize in the diagnosis and management of seasonal allergies and chronic allergies through the most advanced testing and treatment methods. These include skin endpoint titration testing, RAST blood testing, immunotherapy, and other methods. Procedures are listed in detail below.
Diagnosis and management of ear, nose
and throat-related allergies
Physicians at Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest use various methods of diagnosing allergies, starting with obtaining a careful history and examination. Treatment is stepwise including: avoidance of allergens, treatments with a variety or medications including nose sprays and antihistamines and in more difficult cases immunotherapy or allergy shots. Immunotherapy requires precise diagnosis of a person’s allergic response. This is done most commonly with skin testing, or in patients who can’t tolerate skin testing (young children or adults with certain skin conditions) a blood test called RAST. Treatment of these allergies is handled with care at Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the Northwest, using the most advanced allergy management methods.
Skin endpoint titration testing
Skin endpoint titration testing refers to a method of testing inhalant allergies. A series of shots along one or both arms is submitted just below the skin. Then, the injections are allowed a short period to swell (no larger than a mosquito bite). The area of swelling is measured to decide on the correct dosage for immunotherapy.
RAST
RadioAllergoSorbent Test, or RAST, uses a sample of blood to mix with certain substances known to cause allergic reactions. Once mixed, the level of allergen antibodies is measured within the blood. This measurement will determine the steps taken in immunotherapy.