Allergy Treatment Center

Ark-La-Tex Ear, Nose & Throat offers testing and treatment for Allergy sufferers from 10 years of age and up. Advancement in testing and treatment methods now allows us the opportunity to offer patients testing we specifically test for 40 of the most common inhalant allergens in the Shreveport/Bossier region on the arm, reducing or eliminating pain while still obtaining fast & accurate results.

Additionally, Ark-La-Tex ENT offers two allergy treatment options for your convenience! Both oral drops & injected serums are available to help you manage your allergies your way! 

Symptoms of pollen, mold, dander and dust mite (respiratory) allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing 

Click Here To See Our Local Pollen Count

What is Allergy?

An allergy is an unusual reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances, called allergens that are inhaled, ingested, injected, or come into contact with the skin. People who are very sensitive to these different allergens may develop antibodies. The allergen reacts with the antibodies on the surface of tissue cells in the body, releasing histamine and other chemicals causing allergy symptoms like hives, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, nasal drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and wheezing. Proper identification of the allergens responsible for the symptoms may be achieved by either skin or blood testing.

Testing

During the skin test, a small amount of allergen (pollens, dust, molds, animal dander) is used to trigger an immune system response of the skin. The size of the reaction helps to determine whether a patient is allergic to a particular allergen. Our practice uses one of the latest skin testing techniques called blended testing or modified quantitative testing. There will be forty preliminary prick tests which are administered easily and without needles, followed by a limited series of intradermal tests if indicated. The entire testing technique takes approximately 60-90 minutes. Please check with our office prior to testing because there are several medications which must be stopped prior to testing for the most accurate results. Results are available immediately and treatment may begin within one week of testing.

Treatment

Utilizing three techniques to manage allergies, the patient will receive the maximum relief of their symptoms:

• Avoidance
• Medications
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops)

Avoidance

The first line of therapy for allergies is avoidance. Knowing what activates allergies through allergy testing allows allergy sufferers to avoid being exposed to harmful triggers.

Medications

Medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, steroids and decongestants may provide temporary relief, but do not address the underlying immune problem.

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Drops)

• Immunotherapy is one of the only scientifically proven methods to control allergies for long-term benefits. Immunotherapy is ideal for those who cannot avoid their allergic triggers, have problems managing their allergies or do not like feeling “medicated”.
• Allergy shots are usually a once-a-week injection given in our office. You may take them in a physician's office closer to home, if needed. They have been proven to be very effective and have been used for many years.
• Sublingual Therapy is a convenient way of administering immunotherapy. They are very effective. Drops are placed under the tongue daily at home. Insurance at this time does not cover Sublingual Therapy, and therefore is on a cash- only basis. 

Fees and Deductibles

A full fee schedule is available in our office. We will check with your insurance for an estimated out of pocket amount but it is your responsibility to pay any fees not covered by your insurance plan. 

Schedule an Appointment

Call (318) 212-3960 to schedule an appointment today!