Allergens in the environment can trigger symptoms such as seasonal or year-round hayfever, chronic rhinitis (runny nose), chronic sinusitis, asthma and chronic post-nasal drip. Like food sensitivities, inhalant allergens can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection.
Unlike foods that can be avoided, inhalant allergens can be minimized in certain controlled environments, but they are generally impossible to avoid. At Port Moody Health, we use a specialized dermal test (skin test) to first identify the inhalant and environment allergens that trigger a histamine-mediated response. Then, based on your reactivity profile, we customize an oral serum (liquid) known as Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT. The SLIT serum is a natural, dilute form of the environmental triggers, designed to de-sensitize your immune system to the offending agents. Taken overtime, SLIT is a powerful and permanent solution to your environment allergy concerns.
No blood is required for the SLIT test. The allergens are applied to the skin while you are comfortably seated in a chair, while you are monitored for 20 minutes to observe a skin reaction (challenge) to the various allergenic substances such as molds, weeds, ragweed, dust mites, cat, dog, grasses and pollen.
To learn more about allergy testing or other tests offered at Port Moody Health, call (604) 949-0077.
Download the SLIT Brochure.