Allergy Testing

Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy in Irvine

Are seasonal changes a source of dread rather than joy? Do you find yourself constantly reaching for tissues, battling “brain fog,” or struggling with itchy eyes that no over-the-counter pill seems to fix? Allergies are more than a minor nuisance; they are an overreaction of your immune system that can significantly impair your productivity, sleep, and overall well-being.

At Orange Coast ENT Head & Neck Surgery, we provide a sophisticated, medical-grade approach to allergy management. Led by Dr. Pettis, who completed a prestigious Fellowship with the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, our team doesn’t just mask your symptoms, we identify your specific triggers and work to desensitize your body to them permanently.

What are Allergies? (Allergic Rhinitis)

An allergy is essentially a case of “mistaken identity” by your immune system. When you have an allergy, your immune system identifies a harmless substance, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander—as a dangerous invader.

To “protect” you, your body produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When these antibodies encounter the allergen again, they signal your mast cells to release chemicals, most notably histamine. It is this release of histamine that causes the inflammation, mucus production, and itching we associate with an allergic reaction.

Common Allergy Triggers

• Pollen: From trees, grasses, and weeds (often seasonal).
• Dust Mites: Microscopic organisms that live in household dust and bedding.
• Mold Spores: Found in damp indoor areas or outdoor decaying matter.
• Animal Dander: Proteins found in the skin flakes, saliva, or urine of pets.
• Environmental Pollutants: Smoke, chemicals, and strong perfumes.

Identifying Your Symptoms

Many patients suffer for years thinking they have “chronic colds,” when in reality, they are battling allergic rhinitis. While a cold usually resolves in a week, allergies persist as long as the trigger is present. Common signs include:

• Respiratory: Sneezing, chronic coughing, wheezing, and a runny or stuffy nose.
• Ocular: Itchy, red, or watery eyes and swelling of the eyelids.
• Dermatological: Hives, rashes, or itchy skin.
• General: Fatigue (often called “allergy fatigue”), headaches, and “allergic shiners” (dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion).

The Importance of Professional Allergy Testing

Why test? Because “guessing” which medication to take often leads to poor results and unnecessary side effects. Professional testing provides a definitive map of your immune system’s sensitivities.

At Orange Coast ENT, we utilize Allergy Skin Testing, the gold standard in diagnostic accuracy. This process is supervised by Dr. Pettis and performed by Diana Pettis, R.N., a highly trained Allergy Specialist.

How Skin Testing Works

The most common method is the Skin Prick Test. We apply a tiny amount of concentrated allergen extracts to the surface of your skin (usually the forearm or back) using a small plastic device that barely scratches the surface.

If you are allergic to a substance, your skin will develop a “wheal”—a small, red, itchy bump that looks like a mosquito bite—within about 15 to 20 minutes. This immediate feedback allows us to rank your sensitivities from mild to severe.

Benefits of Testing vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Meds

Am I a Candidate for Testing?

You should consider professional allergy testing at our Irvine office if:

1. Your symptoms interfere with your sleep or daily work performance.
2. OTC antihistamines (like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra) are no longer effective.
3. You suffer from frequent sinus infections or asthma flare-ups.
4. You want to know exactly what is causing your reactions so you can modify your environment.
5. You are interested in Immunotherapy to potentially eliminate your allergies for good.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

A comprehensive allergy evaluation at Orange Coast ENT typically takes about an hour and a half.

1. Consultation: We review your medical history, family history, and the specific timing of your symptoms (e.g., “Do they get worse in the spring?” or “Do they happen mostly at night?”).
2. The Test: The skin testing is performed. It is not “painful” in the traditional sense, though the resulting bumps can be itchy for a short period.
3. The Results: We review the “map” of your skin reactions immediately.
4. The Plan: Based on the results, we discuss a three-pronged approach: Avoidance (lifestyle changes), Pharmacotherapy (targeted medications), and Immunotherapy (desensitization).

Allergy Immunotherapy: The Path to a Cure

Immunotherapy is the only treatment that changes the way your immune system reacts to the environment. It works by gradually introducing larger and larger doses of the allergen into your system, “training” your immune system to tolerate the substance without triggering an inflammatory response.

We offer two primary forms of Immunotherapy:

1. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

These are weekly injections given at our office. This is the traditional method and is highly effective for patients with multiple allergies. Over time, the frequency of shots decreases (e.g., from once a week to once a month).

2. Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)

For patients who dislike needles or have busy schedules, we offer Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). This involves placing a small amount of allergen extract under the tongue daily at home. It is safe, convenient, and highly effective for environmental allergies.

[Image showing the application of sublingual allergy drops under the tongue]

Recovery and Results

• Testing Recovery: The redness and itching from skin testing usually fade within an hour. We can apply a topical cream after the test to soothe the skin.
• Immunotherapy Results: Most patients begin to feel a decrease in symptoms within the first few months of treatment. However, for the most durable, lifelong results, a 3-to-5-year course of treatment is usually recommended to “lock in” the immune system’s new behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to stop taking my antihistamines before the test?
   Yes. Most antihistamines must be stopped 5–7 days before testing to ensure accurate results.17 We will provide a specific list.
2. Is allergy testing safe for children?
   Yes, we test children and adolescents frequently.
3. How long do the skin bumps last?
   Usually less than an hour after the test is completed.
4. Can I get tested if I have eczema?
   Yes, though we will choose a clear area of skin for the test.
5. Does insurance cover allergy testing?
   Most PPO plans and Medicare cover testing and immunotherapy. We recommend checking with your provider.
6. Are allergy drops as effective as shots?
   Many studies show they are comparably effective for environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites.
7. Can I be allergic to my dog but not my cat?
   Absolutely. Proteins differ between species, and testing will show exactly which animals trigger you.
8. Will I still need my inhaler?
   Many asthma patients find they need their rescue inhalers significantly less often once they begin immunotherapy.
9. What is “Allergy Fatigue”?
   It’s the exhaustion caused by your body constantly fighting “invaders” and the poor sleep quality caused by nasal congestion.
10. Can food allergies be found with this test?
    While we focus on environmental allergies, we can discuss concerns regarding food sensitivities during your consultation.
11. Is it too late to start immunotherapy if I’m older?
    It is never too late to improve your quality of life and breathing.
12. Can I exercise after an allergy shot?
    We recommend waiting a few hours to ensure your heart rate is stable as your body processes the dose.
13. Why do my allergies get worse at night?
    Dust mites in bedding and “pollen rain” (pollen settling as air cools) are common nighttime triggers.
14. What are “Allergic Shiners”?
    Dark circles under the eyes caused by venous congestion due to chronically swollen nasal passages.18
15. How soon can I start treatment after my test?
    Once your triggers are identified, we can often begin the preparation of your custom serum immediately.

Why Choose Orange Coast ENT

When it comes to allergies, expertise matters. Dr. Pettis and Diana Pettis, R.N. provide a level of specialized care that goes beyond what a general practitioner can offer. As ENT specialists, we look at the “whole picture”—ensuring that your symptoms aren’t being complicated by nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or chronic sinus infections. By combining cutting-edge diagnostic testing with personalized immunotherapy, we help Irvine residents reclaim their lives from the burden of allergies.

Schedule Your Consultation

Stop managing your symptoms and start treating the cause. Contact Orange Coast ENT Head & Neck Surgery today to schedule your comprehensive allergy evaluation.