Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Does Allergy Season Typically Occur in Arizona?
Spring - Late January to June is typically the worst for allergy sufferers with high pollen counts and windy conditions exacerbating symptoms. Heavily pollinating trees including Ash, Mesquite, Mulberry, Cottonwood, Oak, and Olive, along with ragweed and grasses also pollinate in the spring.
Summer - Allergies are less severe, with some grass and weed allergens remaining.
Fall - September to November often sees another surge in pollination and is problematic due to the reemergence of ragweed and other allergens, such as Russian Thistle and grasses.
Winter - Weed and grass allergies become less severe. Juniper can pollinate during the winter months but winter overall is the safest season for allergies in Arizona.
How Can I Tell if My Symptoms are due to Allergies or a Sinus Infection?
Fever and green or yellow nasal drainage usually suggests a sinus infection, where clear drainage and sneezing usually suggests allergies.
Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
Sinus infections in many cases accompany a cold virus, which is contagious. Not everyone who gets a cold, however, ends up with a sinus infection. Sinus infections themselves are not contagious.
How do I Store Sublingual Drops?
The drops contain a glycerin preservative which helps maintain stability at room temperature for several months. They can be refrigerated, however, to help maintain maximum potency. Keeping them out of hot cars in the summertime, etc. is important as it can reduce serum potency.
Are Allergy Drops Covered By Insurance Companies?
While there are very isolated cases where insurance companies do cover the drops, for the most part they are a cash pay service for all offices in the United States. In spite of this they are still cheaper and far more effective and convenient than allergy shots.
Does Your Office Accept Insurances for Payment?
We accept most of the major insurance plans for payment. Those that don't will be coming on board shortly.
What can I do to Decrease my Allergy Symptoms?
- Not spending as much time outdoors particularly on windy or high pollen count days.
- Keeping windows and doors closed is essential to keeping pollen out of your home.
- Washing out your nasal passages with sterile saline and changing your clothes immediately after being outside is beneficial.
- Replacing carpet and rugs with tile or wood flooring can reduce indoor allergens.
- Investing in a HEPA filter to filter allergens from the air in your home.
- Encasing mattresses and pillow cases in plastic can reduce your exposure to dust mites.
How Much Does Allergy Testing Cost?
Elite Allergy and Asthma Clinic (EAAC) charges $225 for environmental testing to 60 different weeds, trees, grasses, molds, and animals. The cost is $150 for food testing to 40 different foods. This is substantially less than the $695 for environmental and $400 for foods as charged by other allergy offices in the area for the same testing method.
How Much Experience Does your Allergist Have with “Allergy Drops”?
Thomas Willim has been working with them since 1996, longer than anyone else in the country. This is in sharp contrast to most offices in the East Valley that have only recently “jumped on the bandwagon” in the past few years. As such, many only have a handful of years’ experience with this technology. When suffering with severe allergy-related issues it’s important to see someone who is well experienced.
How Early Should I Get Allergy Tested?
It is recommended to get allergy tested as early as possible. Allergy testing can be performed on infants, children, and adults.
Does Allergy Testing Always Produce Accurate Results?
Allergy testing is not 100% accurate in certain situations. There are times when a positive result can show even when you aren't truly allergic. It's also possible to have a negative result when you really are allergic. Your allergist can combine allergy tests and track your symptoms to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Can Allergy Testing Cause Anaphylaxis?
In patients with severe allergies, allergy testing can cause anaphylaxis and other severe reactions. That being said, it is extremely rare, and has not occurred in any of our allergist’s offices in the past 28 years. That's why allergy testing should only be done in a clinical setting with an experienced provider.
Can I Develop Asthma at any Age?
Asthma most commonly develops in childhood. However, it can develop at any age.
Why do My Sinus Infections Keep Coming Back?
If you are getting recurring sinus infections you may have a deeper medical condition. In the vast majority of cases allergies are the underlying cause. Abnormalities in the anatomy of your nasal passages/sinuses including nasal polyps, narrow sinus passages or a deviated nasal septum can also contribute to frequent sinus infections but are far less likely to be the cause. Be wary of undergoing surgeries without getting a second opinion.
How Long Must a Patient Continue SLIT?
EAAC recommends that patients continue SLIT for at least three years so that the body can build up a lasting immunity. Uncommonly, a patient may have to return to SLIT later in life to rebuild immunity once again.
