What ages of patients do you see?

All ages.

How long do we need to be off antihistamines before skin testing can be done?

One week (Singulair, Accolate, and Zyflo are NOT antihistamines).

What are the most common antihistamines?

Claritin (loratadine); Allegra (fexofenadine); Zyrtec (cetirizine); Xyzal (levocetirizine); Atarax (hydroxyzine); Benadryl (diphenhydramine); brompheniramine; and chlorpheniramine.

Can I eat before my visit?

Yes.

What will happen on my first visit?

A thorough history will be taken followed by a physical exam. If needed, patients will then be given a breathing test (PFT), and x-rays. Then to reveal what our patients are allergic to, we will perform skin testing. After testing, Dr. Tate will review all the tests and x-rays with the patient or patient’s family. Finally, a printed treatment plan will be given and reviewed before leaving the office.

How do allergy shots help?

By improving allergy symptoms.
By helping stop the development of more allergies.
By improving asthma symptoms.
By helping to stop the development of asthma.
By reducing medications needed.
By reducing sinus, ear, and lung infections.
By continuing to provide benefits long after stopping immunotherapy.

Where can I get more information about allergy and asthma?

AAAAI—The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, www.aaaai.org

ACAAI—American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, www.acaai.org

FAAN—Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network; www.foodallergy.org