Testing Along With Sublingual Immunotherapy For Allergy Patients

Allergy Overview Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: one in five. Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%. Rank of allergies among other leading chronic diseases in the U.S.: 5th. One estimate of the annual cost of allergies to the health care system and businesses in the U.S.: $7.9 billion. Number of workdays lost each year as a result of hay fever: 4 million.

Goal of DynaAllergy: Allow front line primary care physicians to offer in-office allergy testing to the millions who suffer from seasonal or perennial allergies. Rapid treatment that provides for a patient’s body to build a tolerance to their allergies, not just the symptoms they suffer from in a needle-free form. Allow for physicians to recognize an ancillary benefit.

Allergens that affect patients: Outdoor: Outdoor allergies (also called “seasonal allergic rhinitis” [SAR], “hay fever,” or “nasal” allergies) occur when allergens that are commonly found outdoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs causing allergic reactions. Examples of commonly inhaled outdoor allergens are trees, grass, weed pollen, and mold spores. Other allergens exist outdoors, such as stinging insects and poisonous plants, but these are usually considered “contact,” “skin” or “insect” allergens rather than “inhaled” allergens.

Allergens that affect patients: Indoor: Every home harbors potential allergens, from the rare to the ubiquitous, but these five are the most common triggers for indoor allergies: Dust and Dust Mites: Dust can be made up of dozens of things, including tiny bits of plants, skin, soil, insects, food, fibers, and animal matter and waste. Mold: Mold and mildew thrive in high humidity, such as your steamy bathroom or chilly, damp basement. Pet Dander: If you have pet allergies, you’re not actually allergic to cat or dog hair. Instead, the allergic reaction is caused by a tiny protein in an animal’s saliva. Even homes without pets may contain dander. That’s because pet dander is sticky and light. It clings to clothes, shoes, and hair. Thus, pet dander can be found in boardrooms and classrooms, as well as at home. Cockroaches: Like dust, roaches can be found almost everywhere. As with pets, it’s not the roach itself that triggers indoor allergies. Instead, the potential allergen is a protein found in the cockroach’s droppings.

Challenges for patients and physicians: Allergens are impossible to avoid in any environment! Primary Care Physicians will have to be the first line of defense against the rise of patients experiencing allergic symptoms. Allergy and Immunology (2006) – “Shortage within Next Ten Years” A June 2000 report prepared for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology by SUNY Albany’s Center for Health Workforce Studies concludes, “there will be a shortage of allergist/immunologists within the next ten years.” Demand is rising and the supply of new physicians will not be able to keep pace with the current retirement rate of practicing allergists and immunologists and unable to meet the projected increase in demand. A follow-up report in June of 2006 also by the Center for Health Workforce Studies notes “The prevalence of asthma and allergy-related disorders in American continues to increase. Allergies affect as many as 40 to 50 million people in the United States, more than 20 percent of the nation’s population.” Despite this large demand for services, a relatively small number of physicians specialize in Allergy and Immunology. In fact, between 1990 and 1998 the number of physicians training in Allergy and Immunology fellowships declined 34%.

The MaxiMed Allergy Solution : Simple in-office, needle free testing in the primary care setting A 63 patient test kit testing for 72 of the most common allergens (next slide) Easy to read, immediate test results Rapid treatment that doesn’t require weekly injections in the form of sublingual drops, able to be performed at the patients’ home.

Green Tray: Controls Grass pollens Weed pollens Blue Tray: Tree Pollens Black Tray: Trees Molds Fungi Animals & Insects

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