FAQs – Allergy Associates

What is an Allergy and Immunology Specialist?

Allergy and immunology specialists are trained in treating disorders caused by problems of the immune system. Major allergic diseases treated by allergy and immunology specialists include:

Allergic rhinosinusitis (commonly referred to as hay fever)
Allergic conjunctivitis (an eye reaction)
Asthma (cough and wheezing)
Atopic dermatitis or allergic skin reactions (itchy skin)
Urticaria (hives) and angioedema (allergic swelling)
Severe allergic reactions to substances such as foods, chemicals, medications, and insect stings
Sinus problems including congestion, headaches and infection
Anaphylaxis

Allergy and immunology specialists are also trained clinical immunologists who evaluate individuals with frequent or unusually severe infections or immune deficiencies.

Do I need a referral from another doctor to make an appointment?

If another physician has suggested you visit an allergy and immunology specialist, it is helpful to have that physician’s office complete a referral form and fax it to our office. When we receive the referral form we will contact you directly to schedule a new patient appointment. However, if you have not seen a physician about your potential allergy, asthma or immunodeficiency concern, you are still welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a new patient appointment. Please be advised that our specialists are providers for most, but not all health insurance plans. Prior to scheduling your appointment we will ask you for details about your health insurance plan to confirm your coverage for a visit with one of our specialists.

How do I prepare for my first appointment?

Prior to your first visit we ask that you complete a Patient Questionnaire regarding your medical history. This form provides vital information for your allergy and immunology specialist to properly diagnose and treat you. It is a lengthy form and may unnecessarily extend your appointment if it is not completed before you arrive at our office. You can either download the form for completion prior to your visit from the Forms page on our website, or we can mail the questionnaire to you.
A complete evaluation may require diagnostic tests that cannot be completed if you are taking certain types of medications for up to 5 days prior to your first visit. These medications are either ANTIHISTAMINES or some other medications that have antihistamine effect. If you are taking:

Antihistamines: discontinue 5 days prior to your appointment.

Brand Name: Alavert, Allegra, Atarax, Claritin, Clarinex, Vistaril, Xyzal, Zyrtec
Generic: ceterizine chlorpheniramine, desloratadine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, levoceterizine, loratadine
Over-the-counter: Benadryl, Chlor-trimeton, anything containing the word “allergy” and most meds containing words “sinus,” “cold,” or “flu”

Antihistamine nasal sprays: discontinue 5 days prior to your appointment.

Brand Name: Astelin, Astepro, Patanase
Generic: azelastine

Eye drops: discontinue 3 days prior to your appointment.

Brand Name: Elestat, Optivar, Pataday, Patanol, Zaditor
Over-the-counter: anything containing the word “allergy”

Itch or hive medications: discontinue 5 days prior to your appointment.

Brand name: Atarax, Doxepin, Hydroxyzine, Vistaril, Benadryl

Acid reflux medications: discontinue 5 days prior to your appointment.

Name Brand: Tagamet, Zantac
Generic: cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine
Over-the-counter: Pepcid

Motion sickness/dizziness medications: discontinue 5 days prior to your appointment.

Name Brand: Antivert, Dramamine
Generic: meclizine

Antidepressants: call our office for instructions but few interfere with the evaluation process. The only ones that interfere with testing are a group called “tri-cyclic” antidepressants.
Sleep aids: call our office because over-the-counter medications commonly interfere with testing and most prescription medications will not.
Asthma medications: PLEASE CONTINUE USE as prescribed. They do not interfere with the testing and evaluation process.

If you are unsure if a drug store product or medication you are taking will interfere with the evaluation process, please immediately call our office at 530.896.2200 for advice.

On the day of your appointment do not use body lotions, oils or creams on your back or arms.

Please allow up to 2 hours for your office visit because your allergy evaluation and testing is a lengthy, detailed process. Be prepared to pay $100 at the time of your first visit. A first visit can cost between $800 and $1200 depending on the number of tests needed and we require a minimum payment of $100 for the first visit. We take payments by cash, check, ATM and credit card.

What happens during my first appointment?

After taking a careful medical history from you and reviewing your completed Patient Questionnaire, your allergy and immunology specialist will determine whether or not diagnostic tests are necessary. As many tests as possible will be completed during your first visit.

If you are allergic, you are reacting to a particular substance in your environment called an allergen. There are many different kinds of allergies and allergens. The most common allergens are:

Products from dust mites (tiny bugs you can’t see) that live in your home
Proteins from furry pets, which are found in their skin secretions (dander), saliva and urine (not actually their hair)
Molds in your home or in the air outside
Tree, grass and weed pollen
Cockroach droppings

More serious allergic reactions can be caused by:

Venoms from the stings of bees, wasps, yellow jackets, fire ants and other stinging insects
Foods
Natural rubber latex, such as gloves or balloons
Drugs, such as penicillin

All of these allergens are typically made up of proteins. Allergy tests determine which of these proteins you may be reacting to. Your allergy and immunology specialist will safely and effectively test your skin, or sometimes your blood, using tiny amounts of commonly troublesome substances chosen based on your history and the type of allergy suspected.

Some medications can interfere with skin testing. Antihistamines, in particular, can inhibit some of the skin test reactions. Use of antihistamines should be stopped several days prior to skin testing. If you are unsure if a drug store product or medication you are taking will interfere with the evaluation process, please immediately call our office at 530.896.2200 for advice.