Running noses, itchy eyes, sneezing! Yes, allergy symp-toms are a pain. But for many HealthCARE Express patients, allergies are simply no longer controlling their lives, thanks to a new allergy testing and treatment program now available.
Through a scratch test available today, you can find out in about 15 minutes if you are allergic to the 48 most geographically specific mold and airborne allergens in this area. Adults and children over the age of two can be tested for allergies – a testing especially important if you suffer with asthma, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, congestion, sleepiness, headache, nausea, and other problems triggered by allergies.
“The testing is not painful,” said Dr. Tim Reynolds. “A tiny comb gently scratches or abrades your skin’s surface. After the test is performed, it takes about 15 minutes for your body to react. If you have an allergic reaction to a tested allergen, it will appear as a raised, red bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite.”
After the test is complete, a custom-formulated immuno-therapy program can be prescribed. The treatment, commonly called allergy shots, is custom-formulated based on the allergy test results and helps desensitize you to many of the pollens, molds and other triggers that cause those annoying allergy symptoms. Thru desensitization, your body will gradually be able to be around those allergens without having an allergic reaction.
“We want the best possible care and treatment for our patients,” said Reynolds. “This service can significantly increase our patients’ quality of life by reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms and discomfort.”
Save Time & Money
Allergy shots are not new, but the program at HealthCARE Express is designed around two concepts new to medicine:
1) Saving you money and
2) Your busy lifestyle.
“Our allergy lab trains you on how to self administer your allergy shots at home,” Reynolds said. “Our patients really enjoy this. Most clinics require you to come in weekly or monthly for your allergy shots. This costs you a co-pay and takes time out of your already busy schedule. We train you how to do the shots at home, saving you both time and money.”
Unmask the Problem & Treat Your Symptoms
Unlike over-the-counter allergy medicines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritan, which act only to cover up allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy immuno-therapy can fix the underlying problem of your allergies.
“This occurs because the body treats the injection much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing allergic antibodies against triggers, and therefore won’t have an allergic response when exposed to the allergens,” Reynolds said. “These changes can last for many years, even after stopping allergy immuno-therapy.”
Recent studies show that allergy immunotherapy can also prevent people from developing new allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in children with nasal allergies. After a course of allergy immunotherapy, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases, their allergies have completely resolved.
According to a recent survey of HeathCARE Express patients and other patients currently undergoing the same treatment regiment, 72% are using less medication to treat their allergy symptoms after only six months of treatment and 97% would recommend the treatment to their friends and family.
“At HealthCARE Express we understand every patient is different. Each responds differently to different allergens. That’s why we custom-formulate every single dose of our allergy medications specifically for the individual patient,” said Reynolds. “Unlike over-the-counter and prescription medications that ease your symptoms, but may have significant side effects, we identify, and then treat the cause of your disease with custom medications.”
If you are tired of suffering from seasonal allergies and want to be rid of your symptoms for life, call or visit HealthCARE Express today. For more information contact Mallory Thompson in Texarkana at (903) 791-9355, ext. 135 or Andrea Gretzmier in Wake Village at (903) 831-4065, ext. 220. Additional information on allergy services is also available on-line at www.HealthCAREExpress.us/allergy/.
