Allergy Treatment at South Florida Sinus and Allergy
We are proud to offer a number of innovative tests and treatments for allergies. Our services include:
Innovative Allergy Testing
Successful allergy treatment begins with proper testing. Your treatment begins the day you walk into your first allergy test. This makes where you go for testing all the more important.
South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center uses a proprietary allergy testing method designed by Dr. Mandel. Allergy tests normally require numerous small skin pricks, which introduce different allergens to your body. Our allergy testing, on the other hand, involves a combination of skin pricks and intradermal testing. Not only does this lead to a more comfortable patient experience, but it improves the accuracy of the test as well.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a popular treatment for allergies. One of the most successful varieties of immunotherapy is called subcutaneous immunotherapy (also referred to as SCIT or allergy shots). It works by introducing tiny amounts of allergens under your skin (hence subcutaneous). Your body’s immune system responds to these allergens and begins to quite literally change itself to accept them.
South Florida Sinus and Allergy’s method takes this process and improves it. By pacing the allergy shots over an extended period of time (two to three years), your body is better able to adapt and overcome them. The concentration of the allergens will slowly be raised. This leads you to develop an immunity to the allergens.
ClariFix Procedures
ClariFix is a recently developed breakthrough in the treatment of rhinitis (chronic sinus allergies). Designed to reduce or even remove allergy symptoms altogether, ClariFix is another part of South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center’s innovative treatment toolbox.
ClariFix is a tiny device that is inserted into your nasal cavity and works around the clock to cool inflamed nasal tissue. Rhinitis symptoms are a result of inflamed nasal tissue, so cooling this tissue helps relieve symptoms. The best part is you get relief without the need for other medication like pills or nasal spray.
We use local anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable throughout. The entire ClariFix treatment procedure lasts around five minutes. That’s right – you could start experiencing relief from congestion, pressure, and other symptoms in as little as five minutes!
Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT)
Although it may sound complicated, oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT for short) is actually incredibly simple. As its name suggests, OMIT is another type of immunotherapy. Rather than relying on skin pricks or small injections, OMIT uses medicinal toothpaste.
Oral mucosal immunotherapy begins with individualized allergy testing. After pinpointing your unique allergens, Dr. Mandel will create a medicinal toothpaste that is designed just for you. This helps you stay allergy free conveniently and effectively.
OMIT works by combining allergenic proteins with traditional toothpaste. It then introduces these proteins directly into your oral cavity, which has one of the largest concentrations of immune system cells in your body. You’ll begin to build an immunity to these allergens. The result is a dramatic decrease in symptoms like fatigue, congestion, itchiness, and more.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies
There are many reasons to go for allergy testing and treatment. Top among them is if you are experiencing allergy signs and symptoms. After all, why seek treatment for something you didn’t even realize was happening?
Common sinus allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal Issues – Sneezing, itching, runny nose, blocked nose, congestion
- Eye Issues – Watery eyes, itchy eyes, sensitive eyes, red eyes
- Skin Issues – Itchy or raised skin
- Throat Issues – coughing, postnasal drip, sore throat
Remember, these are only the most common. It is always important to consult with a medical professional at the first sign of any allergy.
Allergy Testing Information
We previously mentioned the breakthrough allergy testing that we do at South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. This is not the only type of allergy testing available. While we offer a more convenient and effective testing process, there are other kinds of allergy tests you may want to consider.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Test
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the traditional skin prick allergy test. Not only is this more uncomfortable than our allergy testing, but IgE tests have been known to produce false positive results. This is more common with food allergies than sinus or nasal allergies, but it is important to note.
The Patch Test
Patch tests are a form of allergy testing in which a small patch, containing specific allergens, is placed on your skin. It is left on for a day before doctors are able to determine if you are allergic to a substance. It is also recommended that you take more than one patch test for accurate results.
Challenge Test
A challenge test is when your allergy doctor exposes you directly to a potential allergen. For example, you may have a small amount of pollen applied to your nasal cavity or breath in a small amount of pet dander. These are done far less frequently than other types of allergy testing and should always be performed under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
Individualized Allergy Care
One of the most important parts of allergy testing and treatment is individualized care. Everything your doctor does, from testing to treatment and beyond, should be developed specifically for you. This level of specialized care assures you the best possible outcome and also minimizes any potential risk.
Patients at South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center receive the highest level of patient care. We perform extensive allergy testing so that we can develop an effective treatment plan for your unique circumstances. This process begins before you even walk through the door. Our Patient Care Forms help Dr. Mandel and his team understand the full scope of your needs while providing you with helpful information on what to expect from allergy testing and treatment. Call us today at (954) 883-9449 to get started!