Procedures performed by Dr. David Fuentes at Allergy and Asthma Center of Boerne
Treatment and diagnosis of allergic and pulmonary conditions can vary depending on the severity and duration of the discomfort, reaction, and/or condition. At Allergy and Asthma Center of Boerne, we use our expertise in the most current testing methodologies and procedures to diagnose our patients. A brief description of some of the treatment and diagnostic procedures we offer are listed below Dr. Fuentes' expertise in these procedure is among the most current of all Texas allergy doctors.
Allergy skin testing - The scratch, or more accurately, the prick-puncture test (one of the most common methods) involves placement of a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) on the skin (usually the back), and then pricking the skin so that the allergen is introduced under the skin surface. The skin is observed closely for signs of a reaction, usually swelling and redness of the site - a controlled hive with a so-called wheal and flare. Results are usually obtained within about 20 minutes, and several suspected allergens can be tested at the same time.
RAST testing – A sensitive and specific blood test for allergies- used in conjunction with allergy skin testing for diagnosis of allergies. RAST stands for radioallergosorbent test, It is not necessary to stop taking antihistamines prior to the test.
Immunotherapy ("allergy shots or vaccinations or allergy desensitization") - A form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollen, dust mites, fungi and stinging insect venom. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of the substance (allergen) to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substances are encountered in the future, and the benefits can last for years after a course of treatment.
Spirometry - This test measures how well the lungs exhale. The information gathered during this test is useful for allergy doctors in diagnosing certain types of lung disorders, but is most useful when assessing for obstructive lung diseases (especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD). In a spirometry test, a person breathes into mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that is breathed in and out over a specified time. Some of the test measurements are obtained by normal, quiet breathing, and other tests require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep breath.