What are Allergies?

Our Allergy department serves patients who are 5 years and older. We are primarily focused in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and their association with chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, and ear based difficulties. Patients who have moderate to severe asthma, chronic urticaria (hives), and a history of angioedema are best served by general allergists specializing in these conditions.

Allergies are diagnosed through history, physical examination, blood and intradermal skin testing. Specially trained nurses perform allergy testing upon the recommendation of one of our physicians. You will be asked to complete a survey to determine your specific problem areas and exposures. Intradermal skin testing will be performed on the upper arm to determine your sensitivity to inhalant antigens (pollens, dusts, and molds), epidermals (cat, dog, feathers etc) and some foods.

All Patients being tested for allergies will receive education about chemical sensitivities and environmental controls. If your physician determines you would benefit from desensitization therapy, we offer two types of treatment:

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (allergy injections) are given subcutaneously in the upper arm in a doctor's office where reactions may be monitored for a 30-minute time period. Oakdale ENT will prepare the allergy serum for you and it may be administered at any of our three locations, or, for your convenience, we will provide the serum to your primary care clinic. Most insurance companies cover injections and the allergy serum vials, but co-pays may apply.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (allergy drops) works similar to allergy injections, slowly desensitizing you to what causes your allergy symptoms, but they are delivered under your tongue in a liquid form, one drop three times a day, that you can safely take on your own. Allergy drops are not generally covered by insurance companies. Pre-payment is required when ordering drops.

If you have any questions please call our allergy department at:

(763)520-7865

Allergy Instruction Sheet

Allergy Survey Form