I have allergies…NOW what? A step-by-step guide to treating your Allergies at Relieve

Step One: You’ve tried the antihistamines, nose sprays, sinus rinses, and just about everything offered over the counter for your allergies – now what? At Relieve Allergy, we identify your allergies with skin testing on your back.

A medical assistant takes small plastic prongs to dot your skin with over 75 in all!

We check for all of the allergens specific to Arizona. Your back may become a little itchy but we’ll keep a close watch over you for 15 minutes. If you have an allergic reaction we are fully equipped to take care of you in the office. The medical assistant will then measure each dot to determine how reactive you are to each allergen. After we clean the dots off your back you are ready to schedule an appointment for review your results in a couple of days.

Step Two: At your follow up appointment we will review all the allergies you tested positive to and how to avoid them. We then recommend allergen immunotherapy, or what most people call “allergy shots.” Shots may sound uncomfortable, but we have tips and tricks to make them as comfortable as we can in addition to using the smallest needle possible. It looks like a TB needle if you’ve ever seen one. Some people don’t realize they’ve gotten a shot (even Dr. Wendt’s needle-phobic daughter doesn’t mind). One of our tricks is to rotate arms and to use creams or ice on the site.

Shots change the way the immune system reacts to allergens by building a tolerance, which decreases symptoms or gets rid of them altogether. Allergy shots are a commitment because it involves the regular administration of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts, usually over a period of several years. We have flexible hours in order to accommodate your busy schedule. If you are improving we get you to the point of only needing to come in 12 times per year for a quick injection. Not bad for any treatment! We offer two programs, “regular injections” and “rapid injections”. Both are great options that our nurse practitioner will counsel you on in regards to your symptoms, schedule, and comfort level. The first option moves at a regular pace, and the second is able to get you to the best concentration within a few months. After your follow up you will sign a consent form to get started!

Step Three: We have an awesome physician, Dr. Wendt, who has been mixing personalized allergy serum in her lab for years. She uses a special hood to maintain a sterile environment and combines all your allergens into vials. Once she has your serum mixed you are ready to start your shots the next week!

Step Four: Go ahead and call our receptionist, Nancy. You will get to know and love them in your time here. They will get you on the schedule when you’re ready to start. Before coming in, make sure you take an antihistamine and bring your epipen with you. We require you to carry an epipen at all your visits as a precautionary in case you have an allergic reaction. You are not allowed to receive allergy shots if you are sick or recently received your COVID vaccine. We have a separate waiting room attached to our regular waiting room that you will go to. Stacie is our dedicated Allergy shot nurse who will come up to the window to give you your shots. You will love her!

You will then wait for 30 minutes if you’re receiving regular allergy shots to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. If you are doing rapid allergy shots, our nurse practitioner will educate you on some extra precautions. That’s it! You’ve officially made it through your first round of allergy shots and we’ll see you for your next one!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch and Grayhawk at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, on the corners of Deer Valley and Scottsdale Roads, and has convenient evening and early morning hours to accommodate your schedule.

Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment now and begin your allergy testing and treatment with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com and FOLLOW US on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

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