Kevin Lunde, MD : Nasal Allergy and Sinus Disease

Immunotherapy:
Allergy Shots or Drops

Immunotherapy involves carefully exposing an allergic patient to the substances they are reacting to in order to "turn off" their hyperactive immune system.

Immunotherapy is indicated when avoidence of the offending substances and medications are not fully controlling the allergic symptoms.

Allergy testing determines the allergens responsible for the patient's symptoms. A vaccine is then prepared composed of these allergens. Immunotherapy can be delivered either by weekly shots or as daily drops under the tongue.

By adding immunotherapy to the patient's medications, we can see an improvement in their allergy control by 6 months to 1 year.

As we continue with the treatments, we usually see a reduction in the need for medications within the first 1 to 3 years, making these treatments a more cost-effective way of controlling allergies.

Hopefully, after 3 to 5 years of treatment, many of our patients achieve immunity to their allergens and the treatments can be discontinued.

For children and young adults, immunotherapy has been shown to decrease the chance of other allergies or allergic diseases, such as asthma, from developing in the future.

Tina Hartman, LVN, has over 10 years of experience in advanced allergy care and is our Allergy Care Co-Ordinator.

It has been estimated that allergy is a factor in about half of the medical problems encountered by an ENT doctor.

As an Otolaryngic Allergist, an ENT doctor who does his own allergy treatments, Dr. Kevin Lunde is able to comprehensively diagnose and treat such disorders of the upper respiratory tract.

Information about avoiding and limiting contact with allergens, those substances that are triggering the allergic response, are available for review. Ensuring that medications are being used for their maximal benefit is emphasized.

Allergy testing can be performed to identify the specific inhalant allergens responsible for a patient's symptoms. Immunotherapy, either given as shots or as drops under the tongue, can then be used to alter the body's reaction to these allergens.

Because Dr. Lunde is an ENT surgeon, he can follow the progress of patients with specialized examinations and offer other medical and surgical treatments when indicated.

Diagnostic nasal endoscopy uses a small fiberoptic scope to fully examine the nasal and sinus cavities in detail. Lung function tests can screen patients for asthma.

Nasal polyp removal, sinus surgery, straightening a deviated septum and placement of ear ventilating tubes are examples of surgical procedures that may indicated in the management of the allergic patient.

The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy recommends the following circumstances when a patient should seek consultation with an Otolaryngic Allergist:

We believe the knowledge of a well-trained allergist and staff is necessary to make sure the allergy patient receives the full range of treatment advice and education. This expertise will ensure that comprehensive allergy management is delivered.


Home Introduction Biography of Dr. Lunde Nasal Allergy and Sinus Disease Facial Plastic Surgery Facial Plastic Surgery Cases Reconstructive Cases Ear, Nose & Throat Specialty Alliance Hearing Solutions New Patient Information Contact Us	Nasal Allergy and Sinus Disease Immunotherapy: Allergy Shots or Drops Immunotherapy involves carefully exposing an allergic patient to the substances they are reacting to in order to "turn off" their hyperactive immune system. Immunotherapy is indicated when avoidence of the offending substances and medications are not fully controlling the allergic symptoms. Allergy testing determines the allergens responsible for the patient's symptoms. A vaccine is then prepared composed of these allergens. Immunotherapy can be delivered either by weekly shots or as daily drops under the tongue. By adding immunotherapy to the patient's medications, we can see an improvement in their allergy control by 6 months to 1 year. As we continue with the treatments, we usually see a reduction in the need for medications within the first 1 to 3 years, making these treatments a more cost-effective way of controlling allergies. Hopefully, after 3 to 5 years of treatment, many of our patients achieve immunity to their allergens and the treatments can be discontinued. For children and young adults, immunotherapy has been shown to decrease the chance of other allergies or allergic diseases, such as asthma, from developing in the future. Tina Hartman, LVN, has over 10 years of experience in advanced allergy care and is our Allergy Care Co-Ordinator. It has been estimated that allergy is a factor in about half of the medical problems encountered by an ENT doctor. As an Otolaryngic Allergist, an ENT doctor who does his own allergy treatments, Dr. Kevin Lunde is able to comprehensively diagnose and treat such disorders of the upper respiratory tract. Information about avoiding and limiting contact with allergens, those substances that are triggering the allergic response, are available for review. Ensuring that medications are being used for their maximal benefit is emphasized. Allergy testing can be performed to identify the specific inhalant allergens responsible for a patient's symptoms. Immunotherapy, either given as shots or as drops under the tongue, can then be used to alter the body's reaction to these allergens. Because Dr. Lunde is an ENT surgeon, he can follow the progress of patients with specialized examinations and offer other medical and surgical treatments when indicated. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy uses a small fiberoptic scope to fully examine the nasal and sinus cavities in detail. Lung function tests can screen patients for asthma. Nasal polyp removal, sinus surgery, straightening a deviated septum and placement of ear ventilating tubes are examples of surgical procedures that may indicated in the management of the allergic patient. Other non-allergic diseases can also be efficiently diagnosed and treated. The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy recommends the following circumstances when a patient should seek consultation with an Otolaryngic Allergist: When the diagnosis of an ear, nose and throat allergy or cause of an ear, nose and throat symptom is uncertain. When allergy or ear, nose or throat symptoms are not adequately controlled. When special diagnostic allergy tests are needed. When specialized treatment such as immunotherapy is needed. Dr Lunde offers both allergy shot and allergy drop immunotherapy. When other related ear, nose and throat medical problems, such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, fluid in the middle ear, chronic ear infections, deviated septum, vocal disturbances, or enlarged adenoids or tonsils may be present. When complications associated with treatment or difficulty in controlling symptoms are affecting the patient's quality of like. We believe the knowledge of a well-trained allergist and staff is necessary to make sure the allergy patient receives the full range of treatment advice and education. This expertise will ensure that comprehensive allergy management is delivered. More information on allergy drops.

© 2003 – 2009 Kevin Lunde, MD Board-Certified Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat) and Facial Plastic Surgeon Address and phone: Baylor Medical Pavilion 1 \| 4708 Alliance Blvd, Suite 780 \| Plano, TX 75093 phone 972-985-FACE (3223) \| fax 972-964-0562 Sign up for About Face \| Disclaimer \| Participating Insurance Contracts \| Privacy \| Contact us

Nasal Allergy and Sinus Disease

Immunotherapy: Allergy Shots or Drops

Immunotherapy:
Allergy Shots or Drops