Nova Patient Care
Allergy Testing & Treatment
Accurate allergy testing & personalized care for relief from seasonal, food, skin & environmental allergies at Nova Patient Care.
Find Lasting Relief from Allergies: Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Care
Allergies don't have to control your life. Whether you experience seasonal sniffles, persistent skin rashes, or worrisome food reactions, Nova Patient Care offers comprehensive allergy testing and effective, personalized treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and reclaim your well-being. From mild discomfort to severe reactions, our experienced providers are dedicated to delivering expert care tailored to your unique needs.
We understand the impact allergies can have on your daily life. Our goal is to identify your specific triggers, empower you with knowledge, and provide you with the tools you need to manage your allergies effectively, so you can breathe easier and live better.
What Are Allergies? Understanding Your Immune Response
Recognizing the Symptoms: Is it Really Allergies?
Allergy symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat irritation.
- Eye Symptoms: Itchy, watery, red, or swollen eyes.
- Skin Symptoms: Skin rashes, hives (itchy welts), eczema (dry, itchy, inflamed skin), contact dermatitis (red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with an allergen).
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms (Food Allergies): Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating.
- Systemic Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, irritability.
- Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Pinpointing Your Triggers: Types of Allergy Testing We Offer
At Nova Patient Care, we utilize a range of advanced allergy testing methods to accurately diagnose your condition:
- Skin Prick Test (SPT):
- The most common and often the first-line test for detecting allergies to airborne allergens (pollen, pet dander, mold), certain foods, and insect venom.
- A small amount of each allergen is applied to the skin, and the skin is gently pricked to allow the allergen to enter. A localized reaction (redness, swelling, itching) indicates a potential allergy.
- Results are typically available within 15-20 minutes, providing rapid insights into your sensitivities.
- Blood Allergy Test (Specific IgE Antibody Test):
- Measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood in response to various allergens. This test is also known as RAST (radioallergosorbent test) or ImmunoCAP testing.
- A blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Particularly useful for individuals with severe skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis) that may interfere with skin prick testing, or those who cannot safely undergo skin prick testing due to certain medications or medical conditions.
- Results typically take a few days to return from the lab.
- Patch Testing (for Contact Dermatitis):
- Designed to identify allergens that cause contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions from direct contact with substances).
- Various allergens (fragrances, metals, latex, preservatives, etc.) are applied to adhesive patches, which are then placed on your skin (typically on your back) for 48 hours.
- After 48 hours, the patches are removed, and a provider will assess your skin for any reactions. A second reading may be performed a few days later to identify delayed reactions.
- Food Allergy Testing:
- Can involve skin prick testing, blood allergy testing, or a combination to identify sensitivities or allergic reactions to common foods.
- Commonly tested foods include nuts, shellfish, dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, and fish.
- In some cases, a supervised oral food challenge may be recommended to confirm a suspected food allergy. This involves consuming small, gradually increasing amounts of the suspected food under strict medical supervision.
- Environmental Allergy Testing:
- Helps detect allergic reactions to common environmental allergens found indoors and outdoors.
- Includes testing for dust mites, mold spores, pet dander (cat, dog), tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.
- Typically performed via skin prick testing or blood allergy testing.
If you're unsure of the exact cause of your allergy symptoms, our medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms and recommend the most appropriate allergy test to identify your triggers.
Why Choose Nova Patient Care for Allergy Testing & Treatment?
- Comprehensive Allergy Testing: We offer a full spectrum of allergy testing methods, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnosis of your specific triggers.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Our experienced providers develop individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
- Expert Medical Team: Our team includes board-certified physicians and allergy specialists with extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing allergies.
- Convenient Locations: We have multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia, providing accessible and convenient care close to home.
- Focus on Education and Empowerment: We're committed to educating our patients about their allergies and empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their symptoms effectively.
- Compassionate and Supportive Care: We provide compassionate and supportive care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Meet our Allergy Treatment Providers
Our dedicated team of experienced providers is here to meet your healthcare needs. Click ‘Book Appointment’ to schedule a visit with your preferred provider or ‘Learn More’ to explore their expertise and availability.
Dinesh Joshi, MD
Dinesh Joshi, MD
- Board Certified in Internal Medicine
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Chronic Disease Care: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol
- Patient-Centered, Compassionate Care
- Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellence in Care
Aurea Sanzetenea, ANP
Aurea Sanzetenea, ANP
- Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
- 15+ Years of Experience
- Chronic Disease Specialist: Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma
- Compassionate, Patient-Focused Care
- Languages: English, Spanish
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated for Quality Care
Carlos Perez, MD
Carlos Perez, MD
- Board Certified in Internal Medicine
- Resident of the Year, 2023
- Chronic Disease Care: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular
- Care for Infections, Flu, Other Illnesses
- Languages: English, Spanish
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellence in Care
Jennifer Csontos, MS, PA-C
Jennifer Csontos, MS, PA-C
- Certified Physician Assistant
- 10+ Years of Experience
- Chronic Disease Management: Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity
- Personalized, Compassionate Care
- Languages: English
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent in Care
Gurneet Kaur, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Gurneet Kaur, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
- Experienced in Aesthetic Medicine
- Chronic Disease Care: Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma
- Colds, Flu, Infections, URI
- Languages: English
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellence in Care
Dr. Roosevelt Dean Jr., DO
Roosevelt Dean Jr., DO
- Board Certified in Family Medicine
- Over 20 Years of Clinical Experience
- Chronic Disease Care: Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma
- Colds, Infections, Other Illnesses
- Languages: English
- In-Person & Virtual Appointments
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellence in Care
We Accept Most Insurance Plans for Primary and Immediate Care
What Our Patients Are Saying
Real Stories of Transformation and Healing from Our Valued Patients at Nova Patient Care. Discover how our personalized, compassionate care has made a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Explore our patients' stories and see how Nova Patient Care delivers on its promise of exceptional care.
Reclaim Your Comfort: Personalized Allergy Treatment Options
- Medication Therapy:
- Antihistamines: Block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, to reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Available in over-the-counter and prescription formulations.
- Decongestants: Help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Nasal Sprays: (Corticosteroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays, and decongestant nasal sprays) reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, providing relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Eye Drops: (Antihistamine eye drops, lubricating eye drops) can alleviate itchy, watery, and red eyes caused by allergies.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: Block the action of leukotrienes, chemicals that contribute to allergy symptoms, particularly in asthma.
- Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen): A life-saving medication used as an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Patients at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times and be trained on how to use it.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in cases of persistent or severe allergy symptoms. Available in oral, injectable, and topical formulations.
- Allergen Avoidance Strategies:
- A critical component of allergy management. Our providers will help you identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms and develop practical strategies to minimize your exposure in your home, workplace, and outdoor environments. This may involve recommendations for air purifiers, hypoallergenic bedding, regular cleaning practices, and modifying your activities during peak allergy seasons.
- Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots & Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)):
- A long-term treatment option that gradually desensitizes your immune system to specific allergens, reducing the severity of your allergic reactions over time.
- Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy - SCIT): Involves receiving regular injections of small, gradually increasing doses of allergens under the skin.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Involves placing a tablet or liquid containing a small dose of allergen under your tongue daily.
- Immunotherapy is typically recommended for individuals with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, pet allergies, and dust mite allergies.
- Dietary Counseling for Food Allergies:
- Our registered dietitians provide expert nutrition guidance and support to help patients with food allergies navigate their dietary restrictions safely and effectively.
- We offer personalized meal planning, guidance on label reading, strategies for preventing cross-contamination, and recommendations for alternative food options to ensure you maintain a balanced and nutritious diet while avoiding your food allergens.
Why Choose Nova Patient Care for Asthma Treatment?
Accurate allergy testing & personalized care for relief from seasonal, food, skin & environmental allergies at Nova Patient Care. Schedule your Appointment Today!
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Tailored FAQs for Allergy Testing & Treatment
1. How do I know if I need allergy testing?
If you experience frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing issues triggered by food, the environment, or unknown causes, allergy testing can help determine the source of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
2. What types of allergy tests do you offer?
We offer skin prick tests, blood allergy tests (specific IgE antibody tests), patch testing (for contact dermatitis), food allergy testing, and environmental allergy testing.
3. How long does an allergy test take?
Most skin prick tests provide results within 15-20 minutes. Blood allergy tests typically take a few days for lab results to return. Patch testing requires 48 hours of patch application followed by a provider assessment.
4. Are allergy tests painful?
Allergy skin tests involve only a minor skin prick and cause minimal to no discomfort. Blood tests involve a standard blood draw. Patch tests may cause some itching or irritation under the adhesive patches.
5. Can allergies be cured?
While there is currently no permanent cure for allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy) can significantly reduce allergic reactions over time by desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens.
6. How soon can I start treatment after testing?
In many cases, treatment can begin immediately once your test results are available. This may involve starting medications, implementing allergen avoidance strategies, and making lifestyle adjustments. Immunotherapy typically requires a longer-term commitment.
7. Does insurance cover allergy testing and treatment?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and major providers like Aetna, Cigna, and CareFirst, typically cover allergy testing and treatment. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage details prior to your appointment.
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Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.