Allergy Treatment in Farmington Hills, MI
Recognizing that allergic disease is a major contributing factor to many conditions affecting the ear, Dr. Ilka Naumann is now offering allergy testing and treatment to patients at the Michigan Ear Institute at our Farmington Hills Location.
Our allergist in Farmington Hills, MI have years of experience in diagnosing a range of allergies from your common allergies to rare ones, we use the most advanced technology to more accurately provide you with the best treatment
What Are Allergies?
Allergies happen as an inappropriate response of the body to substances from the environment. Patients may develop allergies to substances (allergens) that are eaten or inhaled. The body’s immune system then responds strongly with an inflammatory reaction causing various symptoms including nasal symptoms of congestion, drainage or sneezing and if it progresses may also involve the lower airway as asthma or patients may develop skin rashes.
As the back of the throat and the ears are closely related and connected through the eustachian tube, some patients may develop fluid behind the ear drum which can cause hearing loss and ear fullness.
There is growing evidence that even inner ear conditions such as Meniere’s disease or autoimmune inner ear disease might be worsened with the flair-up of allergies.
After a trial of conventional allergy medicines (such as nasal sprays and antihistamines) fail, testing for allergies might be a suitable option to discover the source of the allergy. The allergy test results will help manage the symptoms when the patients recognize their allergy triggers. Those results can be used to start immunotherapy.
How Does Michigan Ear Institute Diagnose Allergies?
Michigan Ear Institute offers diagnostic testing (blood work and skin testing) and treatment for inhalant and food allergies, including molds.
Blood Allergy Testing (RAST)
Blood allergy testing (RAST) is done through a blood draw and checks for Immunoglobulin E (IgE). In patients with allergies, total IgE might be elevated and also IgE to specific allergens such to pollen, animal dander or foods.
We order these tests on patients who can not or do no want to undergo skin testing. Patients with uncontrolled asthma, severe eczema or hives are best evaluated with RAST to avoid potentially serious side effects.
Skin Testing
Skin testing is a more sensitive test to check for allergies. This can be done by placing tiny pricks with the allergens through the surface layer of the skin (skin prick testing). The most thorough way of skin testing is by injecting minute amounts of various concentrations of the allergen under outer layers of the skin (intradermal skin testing). If a “wheel” a red raised bump forms the patient is allergic to the tested substance. The wheels are measured and are used to determine the exact amount of allergens for the treatment, which can be different for each patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the actual allergy treatment. It is the only causative treatment of the allergy rather than its symptoms. Immunotherapy has been shown to have lasting effects in controlling allergy symptoms.
Most often the treatment consists of weekly shots injected under the skin (subcutaneous). Michigan Ear Institute is one of a few practices in Michigan to offer sublingual immunotherapy. This allergy treatment is administered in a liquid form taken as drops under the tongue (sublingual) and this does not require any injections.
Allergy Treatment
There are safe prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and treatments to relieve allergy symptoms.
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Epinephrine
- Immunotherapy
Reviewed by the board-certified otolaryngologists at Michigan Ear Institute
Still have questions? Ask one of our otolaryngologists!
What types of allergies does Michigan Ear Institute treat?
Michigan Ear Institute offers diagnostic testing and treatment for inhalant allergies (such as pollen, mold, and animal dander) and food allergies. Dr. Ilka Naumann leads our allergy program at our Farmington Hills location, bringing specialized expertise in allergic conditions that affect the ear, nose, and throat.
How are allergies connected to ear problems?
Because the back of the throat and the ears are closely connected through the eustachian tube, allergic inflammation can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum. This can lead to hearing loss and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. There is also growing evidence that inner ear conditions like Meniere’s disease and autoimmune inner ear disease may be worsened during allergy flare-ups.
What are the common symptoms of allergies that might bring me to Michigan Ear Institute?
Allergic symptoms often include nasal congestion, drainage, and sneezing. In some patients, allergies progress to affect the lower airway (asthma) or cause skin rashes. When allergies affect the ears, symptoms may include fluid behind the eardrum, muffled hearing, or a sensation of fullness. If you’ve been struggling with chronic ear or sinus issues, allergies may be a contributing factor worth investigating.
When should I consider allergy testing?
Allergy testing is typically considered after conventional allergy medicines such as nasal sprays and antihistamines have been tried and have not provided adequate relief. Testing helps identify your specific triggers, which makes it possible to pursue more targeted and lasting treatment.
What allergy tests does Michigan Ear Institute offer?
We offer two main types of diagnostic testing. Blood allergy testing (RAST) involves a blood draw to measure Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels both total IgE and IgE specific to certain allergens like pollen, animal dander, or foods. Skin testing is a more sensitive option and can be done through skin prick testing or intradermal skin testing, where small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin to observe reactions.
Who is a good candidate for blood testing (RAST) versus skin testing?
Patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo skin testing may be evaluated with RAST instead. It is particularly recommended for patients with uncontrolled asthma, severe eczema, or hives, as skin testing could carry a risk of more serious reactions in these cases. Our team will evaluate your health history to determine the safest and most appropriate testing method for you.
What is immunotherapy and how does it work?
Immunotherapy is the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause of allergies rather than just managing symptoms. By gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of specific allergens, immunotherapy helps desensitize the body’s response over time. It has been shown to produce lasting improvement in allergy symptoms.
Does Michigan Ear Institute offer sublingual (drop) immunotherapy?
Yes. Michigan Ear Institute is one of a select few practices in Michigan to offer sublingual immunotherapy. Rather than weekly injections, this form of treatment involves placing liquid drops under the tongue making it a convenient, needle-free alternative for patients who prefer to avoid shots.
What allergy medications or treatments might be recommended alongside testing?
Depending on your situation, our team may recommend a combination of treatments to manage your symptoms. Options include nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, epinephrine (in cases of severe reactions), and immunotherapy. Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your test results and symptom history.
Where is allergy testing and treatment available, and how do I get started?
Allergy services are available at our Farmington Hills location at 30055 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call us at (248) 865-4444 or visit our contact page. Our board-certified otolaryngologists are ready to help you find answers and relief.