Allergy

What are allergies?

Allergic reactions are the body’s response to a substance commonly referred to as an allergen. Harmless substances, which may include animal dander from your family pet, pollen, mold, etc., create a condition which causes your immune system to react, as if it were harmful. Virtually any part of your body can be affected.

Many families have a history of allergies. It’s important to note, however, that people of all ages may develop allergies, regardless of their family history. And it may take a long time for allergies to develop. The beauty of springtime in Western Pennsylvania may be lost on those who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, better known as “hay fever”. This common type of allergy is caused by pollen, dust, mold and other airborne irritants. Breezy spring days may bring on a host of symptoms including sneezing, tearing, and a runny nose; some allergies affect patients throughout the year.

Instructions for Allergy Testing

Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up to your shoulder. We will be working on the top and bottom of both of your arms.

No Alavert, Allegra, Allegra-D, Claritin, Claritin-D, Loratadine, Pataday or Patanol eye drops, Xyzal, Zyrtec, or Zyrtec-D for 3 days prior to testing. Also, discontinue all other over-the-counter antihistamines for 3 days prior to allergy testing. This includes allergy, cold, sinus, and flu preparations such as Benadryl, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Tavist, etc. Also, sleep aids such as Nytol and Tylenol P.M. have antihistamines in them.

No Clarinex for 6 days prior to testing.

No Astepro or Astelin nasal spray for 10 days prior to testing. No Patanase nasal spray for 3 days prior to testing. All other nasal sprays are fine to use, even on the day of your testing.

If you currently take allergy injections, do not take your regular injection for at least 4 days prior to your allergy testing.

It is not necessary to discontinue most asthma medications. Please inform us if you take any of these drugs.

Please inform us if you take any medications for your heart or blood pressure, eye drops for glaucoma, antidepressants, cortisone injections, hydrocortisone cream, prednisone, nasal sprays, medications for dizziness, or migraine headache medications as these may interfere with the testing.

The testing takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Feel free to bring a book, magazine, newspaper, etc.

There are no restrictions on eating. You may eat your meals as usual.

If required, please contact your primary care physician to obtain a referral for your testing. Our fax number is 724-934-2850.

The procedure codes for your allergy testing are 95004 and 95024. It is the patient's responsibility to verify whether allergy testing is a covered service under their health insurance policy. If this is not eligible for reimbursement by your insurance company, payment becomes the patient's responsibility.