Allergy and Immunotherapy
Dr. Karn Mehra specializes in the diagnosis and management of allergies, offering comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from allergic conditions. One of the key treatment modalities he provides is allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or allergy desensitization therapy. Here’s an overview of the services provided by Dr. Mehra for allergy and immunotherapy:
Allergy Testing: Dr. Mehra employs various diagnostic tests, including skin prick tests and blood tests, to identify specific allergens triggering allergic reactions in patients. These tests help determine the precise allergens responsible for symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, or hives.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on the results of allergy testing and the patient’s medical history, Dr. Mehra develops individualized treatment plans tailored to address each patient’s unique allergic triggers and symptoms. Treatment may include a combination of allergen avoidance strategies, medications, and allergen immunotherapy.
Allergen Immunotherapy: For patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, or insect sting allergies, allergen immunotherapy may be recommended. This treatment involves regular administration of gradually increasing doses of allergens to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactions over time.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Dr. Mehra offers subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy, commonly administered as allergy shots. These injections are typically given once or twice a week initially, with the frequency gradually decreasing over time as the patient’s tolerance to allergens improves.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): In some cases, Dr. Mehra may recommend sublingual allergen immunotherapy, which involves placing allergen extracts under the tongue. SLIT is a convenient alternative to allergy shots and can be self-administered at home, following guidance from the healthcare provider.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Dr. Mehra closely monitors patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy, assessing treatment effectiveness and safety. Dose adjustments and modifications to the treatment plan may be made based on the patient’s response and tolerance to therapy.
Education and Support: Dr. Mehra provides education to patients and their families about allergen immunotherapy, including the benefits, potential risks, and expectations for treatment outcomes. He also offers guidance on managing allergic symptoms and minimizing exposure to allergens in the patient’s environment.
Long-Term Management: Dr. Mehra emphasizes the importance of long-term management of allergic conditions, including regular follow-up appointments to track progress, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure optimal symptom control and quality of life.
By offering comprehensive allergy testing and personalized immunotherapy treatments, Dr. Mehra aims to alleviate allergic symptoms, improve immune tolerance, and enhance the overall well-being of his patients.
