Allergy Testing & Sublingual Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment.

Seasonal allergies, dust, pets, mould, and other environmental allergens can affect your breathing, sleep, energy, exercise, and quality of life. At Agile Integrated Health, our naturopathic doctors provide in-office scratch testing to help identify clinically relevant environmental allergies.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an established form of allergen immunotherapy and has been recognized in international allergy guidance, including World Health Organization and World Allergy Organization publications. Evidence reviews, including Cochrane reviews, have found that SLIT can reduce allergy symptoms and the need for allergy medication compared with placebo, with most treatment-related reactions being mild and localized to the mouth or throat.

What is scratch allergy testing?

Scratch testing, also called skin-prick testing, is an in-office test used to assess immediate allergic reactions to specific allergens.

During testing, small amounts of diluted allergen extracts are applied to the skin, usually on the forearm. The surface of the skin is then gently scratched or pricked so the allergen can interact with the skin’s immune cells.

Your skin is observed for approximately 20 minutes. A positive reaction may appear as a localized, raised, itchy area called a wheal. Results are interpreted using appropriate positive and negative controls and are considered alongside your symptoms and health history.

What can be tested?

The specific allergens selected for testing are individualized based on your symptoms, exposures, location, and seasonal pattern.

Some of the typical environmental allergens we include:

• Tree pollens.

• Grass pollens.

• Weed pollens.

• Ragweed.

• Dust mites.

• Moulds.

• Cat and dog allergens.

• Other relevant environmental allergens can be specially ordered for you.

Your naturopathic doctor will determine which allergens are most appropriate for your test. Testing is not intended to identify every possible allergy; it is designed to investigate allergens that may be clinically relevant to your presentation.

Symptoms we may investigate

Scratch testing may be considered when symptoms suggest an immediate environmental allergy, including:

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose.

• Itchy, watery, or irritated eyes.

• Postnasal drip or recurrent allergy symptoms.

• Seasonal hay fever.

• Symptoms triggered by dust, mould, or animals.

• Allergy-related cough or respiratory irritation.

• Symptoms that persist despite usual allergy medications.

A positive test indicates sensitization to an allergen, but it does not automatically prove that the allergen is causing your symptoms. Your naturopathic doctor will interpret the results in the context of your clinical history.

What to expect at your appointment

Before testing

Some medications, particularly antihistamines, may interfere with scratch-test results. Your naturopathic doctor will provide instructions about whether any medications should be paused before your appointment.

Do not stop a prescribed medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Tell us before testing if you:

• Have asthma or a history of breathing reactions.

• Have previously reacted to allergy testing or immunotherapy.

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Are taking antihistamines, beta-blockers, or other relevant medications.

• Are acutely unwell or experiencing a significant flare of symptoms.

During testing

Your naturopathic doctor will:

1. Review your symptoms and allergy history.

2. Select the allergens most relevant to your presentation.

3. Apply the allergens and control solutions to the skin.

4. Gently scratch or prick the skin at each test site.

5. Monitor the test area for approximately 20 minutes.

6. Measure and document any relevant skin reactions.

7. Review the results and discuss treatment options.

The scratches are superficial and should not cause bleeding. Temporary redness, itching, or small raised bumps can occur at positive test sites.

Sublingual immunotherapy

If your history and scratch-test results support treatment, your naturopathic doctor may prescribe individualized sublingual allergy therapy.

Sublingual therapy is taken under the tongue and is intended to gradually expose the immune system to selected allergens. The allergens included in the prescription are chosen based on your clinical assessment and testing results.

The purpose of treatment is to reduce sensitivity and improve control of allergy symptoms over time. Treatment response is gradual, and consistent use is important.

How the prescription process works

Your naturopathic doctor reviews your scratch-test results with you and an individualized prescription is prepared based on your assessment. The prescription is sent to a local pharmacy where many times secondary medication coverage covers the cost of the medication. 

The pharmacy will then send your first dose and any dose increase to Agile for you to come and pick up. At this time, you will take your first dose at Agile and stay in the waiting room for 20 minutes. This is so we can monitor for any strong reactions to the medication. 

You do not need an official naturopathic appointment to take this dose, but a naturopathic doctor does have to be in the office when you come take this dose. You are not charged for this. Subsequent prescriptions will be filled and handled directly with the pharmacy unless there is a dose increase as previously mentioned.

A practical treatment option

Compared with conventional allergy shots, sublingual therapy may provide:

• Administration at home rather than repeated injection appointments.

• Fewer routine office visits for treatment administration.

• No needles.

• A generally favourable safety profile, with common reactions typically mild and local.

• Potential reductions in allergy symptoms and medication use over time.

Book an appointment

If allergies are affecting your sleep, breathing, energy, exercise, or day-to-day life, an assessment may help clarify your treatment options.

Book an appointment with a naturopathic doctor at Agile Integrated Health to discuss scratch testing and whether individualized sublingual allergy therapy may be appropriate for you.

This webpage is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Scratch testing and sublingual therapy are provided only when clinically appropriate. Sublingual allergy therapy for naturopathic patients is prescribed through a local pharmacy, and product formulation, cost, dispensing, and insurance coverage may vary.