Allergen Immunotherapy - Asthma - Chemical Sensitivities

One hundred year history of Allergen Immunotherapy
In 1911, two English scientists, Leonard Noon, and John Freeman discovered that injecting small amounts of an offending substance such as pollen could decrease symptoms for an allergic individual by desensitizing their immune system. Over the years so much more has been learned about allergen immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy has been reported to be effective for asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, chronic fatigue, arthritis, digestive problems, chemical sensitivities, fodd sensitivities, and PMS, just to name a few.

Provocative/Neutralization allergy testing
At Chelation Medical center, the staff is trained in a specialized skin testing procedure called provocative/neutralization testing. Traditional immunotherapy requires a long term commitment because of the length of time for build-up to reach your target dose. This can take from a few months to two years before your target dose is reached. Provocative/Neutralization testing enables us to find your target or "neutralizing" dose the same day you are tested offering not only a more accurate dose for your allergy injection, but eliminating lengthy build up times. This usually provides immediate relief from allergens which are tested. The advantage of this method is that the neutralized dose is determined immediately, and because it is unique to your immune system, it is your target dose. You are trained in giving the injection to yourself, and it can be taken at home, avoiding the need to return to the office for weekly or bi-weekly allergy shots.

Allergy Testing Process:
Allergens to be tested are determined by your history, a medical evaluation, and a consult with the physician. Antihistamines or steroid medications should not be taken prior to testing. A very small amount of the allergen is injected under your skin with a fine needle. Symptoms may occur and are monitored as well as observation of the site of injection. Symptoms can be "neutralized" with a slight modification of the dose. When most if not all your provoked symptoms are relieved, your neutralizing dose is reached which is your treatment or maintenance dose.

Allergy Treatment Process:

Some people have lasting relief of their symptoms, while others may relapse after discontinuing treatment. Therefore, the duration of allergen immunotherapy varies from person to person. The decision to begin allergy immunotherapy is based on many factors:

length and severity of your symptoms
the season
potential of future exposure to the allergens
measures to reduce exposures
your desire to avoid long term medication use

A note on Medications
While medications can give some temporary relief to symptoms, they do not address the cause and are only "band-aids" many with very serious side effects. Medications are prescribed at times but only if absolutely needed, with an understanding they are temporary solutions until allergen testing can be completed and neutralizing doses are determined.