Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Itchy, watery, red eyes; runny nose, sneezing, sinus pressure/pain, itchy throat, blocked ears, headaches, and fatigue? Are you tired of taking antihistamines and not getting to the root of the problem?
Garibaldi Health Clinic is now offering allergy testing (via diagnostic scratch testing) to determine if you have allergies (and the severity) to the following: grasses, trees, weeds, ragweed, dust mite, cats, dogs and/or mold.
Treatment using SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy):
Sublingual immunotherapy, given as drops under the tongue, treats the cause(s) of allergies by giving low doses of the allergen (for eg. cat dander) to the patient. Repeated exposure over time to these small doses, increases one’s tolerance to the allergens and reduces allergy symptoms. SLIT re-trains your body not to be allergic in the first place.
SLIT is similar to allergy shots in that they both change the body’s ability to react to allergens. Allergy shots are very effective but they need to be given in a physician’s office which is often inconvenient for patients resulting in not finishing the treatment course. SLIT is more convenient than shots as the patient can self-administer the drops at home.
Patients that undergo SLIT treatment report a better quality of life - fewer sick days from work and school, improved sleep, and a drastic reduction or elimination of allergy symptoms. Many patients are dependent on antihistamines to function, and are happy to not need them anymore.
SLIT has been studied in over 60 clinical trials over the past 15 years proving efficacy, safety, and tolerance to the treatment. It is now the most widely prescribed form of allergy immunotherapy in Europe. SLIT is Health Canada and FDA approved, and is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for allergies. Research shows that committing to the full therapy can result in permanent symptom relief – no more suffering from allergies!
It is suggested to start SLIT 30-60 days prior to allergy season. In B.C. tree pollen comes out as early as February and so treatment can begin in January.
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Garibaldi Health Clinic – 604.898.1999. Dr. Ashely Gordon & Dr. Jennifer Moss are trained to perform the scratch testing and write patient prescriptions for SLIT drops.
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