Are you one of the nearly 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies each year? With the allergy testing and treatment options available at our clinics, we can help pinpoint the cause of your allergies and provide the treatment you need to live your life symptom-free.
At Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers, we not only strive to eliminate your allergy symptoms, but also pride ourselves on providing relief as quickly as possible — usually after the first visit. While other practices may schedule appointments months in advance and require multiple visits for consultations and testing, we work efficiently to schedule appointments within two weeks and can perform any necessary allergy testing during your initial visit.
We understand you have many responsibilities, so we work quickly to help you find relief without having to take days off work or miss important commitments. Each of our three locations offers convenient office hours, making it easier to schedule appointments before or after work.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically benign. These substances, called allergens, trigger an immune response even when the allergen itself is harmless. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary widely, ranging from a mild rash to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.
Environmental allergies are generally divided into two categories: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies worsen during certain times of the year, while perennial allergies can be triggered year-round.
Allergic reactions can manifest in multiple ways. Listed below are several conditions and symptoms that can be caused by allergen sensitivity:
Allergies may be caused by a variety of triggers. Some of the most common include:
Before we can treat your symptoms, we need to determine exactly which substances are triggering your allergies. To do this, allergy testing typically involves exposing the skin to small amounts of suspected allergens or analyzing your blood to determine which substances provoke an allergic reaction. Four common types of allergy tests are described below:
Allergy skin tests involve placing a small amount of a suspected allergen on or below your skin so we can see if a reaction develops. Most allergy clinics offer the following tests:
Some people may have extensive rashes or skin irritations that make skin testing difficult. In these cases, your doctor may order an allergy blood test.
Allergy blood tests measure the level of specific allergic antibodies. These tests look for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood. IgE is an antibody the body produces in response to certain allergens, and people who suffer from allergies often have higher levels of it. The results are then analyzed to determine the likelihood that an allergy exists.
After you’ve completed your allergy testing, it’s time to begin treatment to ease your symptoms. While there is no cure for allergies, several treatment options can help you live your life symptom-free.
One method is allergen avoidance, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Environmental allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and insect bites are common and often difficult — or nearly impossible — to avoid. A more effective option is allergen immunotherapy, a long-term treatment that gradually builds tolerance by exposing the body to specific allergens. Types of allergen immunotherapy include:
We also offer other advanced immune-based biologic treatments, including:
For milder allergic conditions, medications may be recommended. Antihistamines block histamine released during allergic reactions and help minimize allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing. These medications may come in tablets, syrups, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are considered the gold standard for treating allergic rhinitis and are often used as first-line therapy.
If you are suffering from seasonal allergies or an allergy-related condition such as asthma, dermatitis, or food sensitivities, don’t suffer in silence. The allergy testing and treatments available at our centers can help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions about allergies, allergy testing, or any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (877) 878-9314 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can help you schedule a visit with an allergy specialist at any of our three convenient Maryland locations.
If you experience frequent sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes, coughing, wheezing, or reactions after eating certain foods, allergy testing can help identify the cause. Testing is especially helpful when symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or not improving with over-the-counter medications.
Allergy testing is usually quick and minimally uncomfortable. Most patients receive a skin test, where small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin to look for a reaction. In some cases, a blood test may be used instead. Your specialist will choose the safest and most accurate method for you.
Skin testing may cause mild itching or irritation where allergens are applied, but it is generally well tolerated by both children and adults. Blood tests involve a simple blood draw, similar to routine lab work.
Skin test results are often available during the same appointment, allowing your doctor to begin discussing treatment right away. Blood test results usually take a few days to return.
Yes. Allergies can appear at any age, even if you never had symptoms as a child. New environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, or immune system shifts can all contribute to developing allergies later in life.
Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) is the only treatment that can change how your immune system responds to allergens. Over time, immunotherapy can significantly reduce symptoms and may help prevent new allergies from developing.
Some patients begin to notice improvement within a few months, but full benefits typically develop gradually. Treatment is usually continued for three to five years to achieve a durable remission.
Medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays help control symptoms but do not cure the underlying allergy. They are often used alongside immunotherapy or environmental control strategies.
Yes. Uncontrolled allergies can contribute to chronic sinus infections, asthma flare-ups, ear infections, poor sleep, and reduced quality of life. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.
Many patients experience symptom relief soon after starting the right treatment plan. Because testing and evaluation are often performed at your first visit, you can begin targeted therapy quickly, which helps you feel better sooner.
