PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is pleased to announce that allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) will once again be available at Northern Light Ear, Nose, and Throat in Presque Isle beginning in September.
“This is a win for our patients, since the next closest place offering this service is Bangor, with waiting lists of a year or longer,” says Dr. Kristina Manion, who is leading the Otolaryngic allergy program at AR Gould Hospital, along with Lori Loggans, RN, an allergy nurse.
“We have been doing allergy testing for the most common offenders of environmental and food allergies for a while now, but we are now able to provide testing to determine if the patient is a candidate for immunotherapy,” says Dr. Manion. “This testing will provide the more detailed information we need to offer a custom allergy shot plan.”
Immunotherapy allergy treatment is typically a three-to-five-year process, according to Dr. Manion. Patients receive shots weekly at first and then transition to monthly. Progress can be seen in as soon as six months; however, it takes at least three years for long term results.
With allergy shots, a patient is given a small amount of what they are allergic to over time to build up their immune system, resulting in a less severe allergy response. In fact, some patients may have no noticeable allergy response at all after the treatment is complete.
“While this is an intensive process, it can be well worth it for patients who suffer from frequent or severe allergies,” explains Dr. Manion. “The number one reason for doing it from a patient’s perspective is typically quality of life. They can enjoy activities and the routines of daily life without suffering from all the symptoms that come along with allergies. Just as importantly, the treatment also reduces the chance of secondary infections and decreases dependence on over-the-counter medications.”
Even if a patient is deemed not an eligible candidate for allergy shots, or if they choose not to pursue that option, there is value in being tested to determine exactly what you are allergic to, according to Dr. Manion.
“Knowing what specific allergens, or substances, you react to can help determine lifestyle steps you can take or other treatment options for managing symptoms,” she says.
Regular allergy testing takes about two hours and involves small amounts of potential allergens being placed on the skin to determine the severity of the allergy; it is the starting point for allergy immunotherapy. After review of the results, Dr. Manion meets with the patient to explain what the results mean and how to best manage any allergies.
Patients do not need a referral for allergy testing. They can make an appointment directly in the ENT office by calling 207-760-8100.
