At SCC Waco we provide specialized services to diagnose, manage, and treat various allergic conditions and asthma. These services typically include allergy testing, personalized treatment plans, immunotherapy, medication management, and patient education to help control and reduce allergy symptoms.

skin testing for allergy treatment
patch testing for diagnose allergy

Diagnosis and Testing

  • Skin prick tests:Detect immediate allergic reactions to airborne allergens, foods, insect venom, and latex by observing skin responses (redness, swelling, itching) after pricking the skin with small amounts of allergens.
  • Blood tests (Specific IgE antibody tests): Measure allergen-specific antibodies in the blood, useful when skin testing isn't suitable or to provide additional information. Examples include RAST and ImmunoCAP.
  • Patch testing: Identifies delayed allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) by applying allergens to skin patches worn for 48 hours to observe for reactions to substances like cosmetics, metals, and chemicals.
  • Food allergy testing: Can involve skin prick tests, blood tests, and supervised oral food challenges where small amounts of suspected foods are eaten under medical supervision to monitor for reactions.
Immunotherapy
eye drops to relieve allergy symptoms
  • Allergen Avoidance: Education and advice on reducing exposure to identified allergens at home, school, or work (e.g., air purifiers, special bedding, label reading).
  • Medication Management: Prescription and guidance on using medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, leukotriene modifiers, and eye drops to relieve allergy symptoms.
  • Immunotherapy: Long-term treatment (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) to build tolerance to specific allergens through gradual exposure.
  • Emergency Action Plans: Written plans and epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions (like EpiPen) with training for managing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
  • Dietary Management: Counseling and support for food allergies, including safe food preparation, label reading, and managing accidental exposure.
Doctor diagnose allergy
asthma treatment

Patient Education and Support

At SCC Waco, patients receive:

  • In-depth explanations about their individual allergies, the factors that trigger them, and effective management strategies.
  • Thorough education on the correct usage of prescribed allergy medications and any necessary devices, such as asthma inhalers.
  • Support and guidance to help them navigate the daily impact of their allergies.

Follow-up Care

At SCC Waco, patients can expect:

  • Ongoing monitoring of their allergy symptoms and how well their treatment is working.
  • Treatment plan adjustments as necessary, based on their individual response and evolving conditions, such as seasonal changes.
  • Support for managing their allergies throughout the year and during different phases of life.