Don’t let allergies or respiratory issues keep you from enjoying the life you love. At Great Falls Clinic, our Department of Allergy provides comprehensive diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages. Our goal is to identify the root cause of your symptoms and provide long-term relief through evidence-based medical care.
Understanding Your Allergies: Diagnostics & Testing
Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Because allergy symptoms often mimic other conditions, our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint your specific triggers.
- Skin Prick Testing / Intradermal Testing: In-office skin testing to evaluate dozens of environmental and food allergens simultaneously with immediate results
- Blood Testing (IgE): Used when skin testing isn’t an option (or sometimes as an adjunct to skin testing) to identify specific allergic sensitivities
- Oral Challenge (OFC): Testing for certain foods and medications, such as amoxicillin
Comprehensive Conditions We Treat
Our specialists provide relief for a wide spectrum of allergic and immunological conditions:
Seasonal & Environmental Allergies
Management of hay fever, pollen sensitivities, pet dander, mold, and dust mite allergies that cause chronic congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Asthma & Respiratory Health
Specialized care for pediatric and adult asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm, and chronic cough. We focus on preventative management to reduce the need for emergency inhaler use.
Food & Venom Allergies
Expert evaluation for life-threatening allergies to foods (like peanuts, shellfish, or dairy) and stinging insects. We provide emergency action plans and education on epinephrine use.
Chronic Skin Conditions
Diagnosis and treatment for eczema (atopic dermatitis), hives (urticaria), and swelling (angioedema).
Advanced Treatment Options: Beyond the Over-the-Counter
When standard antihistamines aren’t enough, we provide advanced therapies to modify your immune system’s response:
- Allergy Shots (Allergen Immunotherapy): A long-term treatment that decreases sensitivity to allergens, often leading to lasting relief even after treatment ends
- Biologic Therapies: Advanced medications for certain conditions that don’t respond to traditional treatments
- Environmental Control Education: Personalized strategies to reduce trigger exposure in your home or workplace
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I see an allergist instead of using over-the-counter medicine?
A: You should schedule an appointment if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, OTC medications are ineffective, or cause unwanted side effects (like drowsiness), or if you experience warning signs of asthma, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.
Q: Can children outgrow their allergies?
A: While children often outgrow certain food allergies (like milk or soy), environmental allergies and asthma often persist into adulthood. Early intervention at the Great Falls Clinic can help manage these symptoms effectively as your child grows.
Q: How long does allergy testing take?
A: A typical skin testing appointment takes about 45 to 60 minutes. You will receive your results during the same visit, allowing us to build your treatment plan immediately.
Q: Is immunotherapy (allergy shots) covered by insurance?
A: Most insurance plans cover allergy testing and immunotherapy. We recommend contacting your provider to verify your specific benefits, or our office can assist you with the necessary paperwork.
