• What can you expect when you come for your appointment?
• What types of disorders does an Allergist evaluate?
• What about our pets?
• What kinds of tests are performed, and do they hurt?
• What medications should I stop before the visit?
• What kind of medications are prescribed at Bowtie Allergy Specialists?
• What about allergy shots?
• What about my privacy?
What can you expect when you come for your appointment?
While initial visits can be lengthy (you should budget 1 hour, although you might finish up much quicker than that if you have a straightforward case), follow-up visits are usually quite short (about 15-30 minutes). The reason for this is that most (if not all) of the testing is done on the first day, and you will also receive education on your disorder (bring a notepad). That means you leave with answers. Few doctors can really promise that these days. top
What types of disorders does an Allergist evaluate?
In short, our Allergist specializes in everything that itches, wheezes or sneezes. That means Dr. von Tiehl is an expert when it comes to allergies, asthma, eczema, food allergies, hives, angioedema (i.e. giant swelling), anaphylaxis, sinusitis, drug allergy, venom allergy (e.g. bee venom), eosinophilic esophagitis, non-infectious immune deficiencies and related disorders. If the word “allergy” comes up in any topic, Dr. von Tiehl can usually help. top
What about our pets?
Dr. von Tiehl generally doesn’t believe in getting rid of the family pet as an initial step. The family pets can usually stay; they just usually have to stop sleeping in the same room with the patient. top
What kinds of tests are performed, and do they hurt?
The most common tests done in our office are the allergy “scratch” tests. These tests are itchy for about 15 minutes, and then it’s all over. We have a soothing anti-inflammation cream we can apply afterwards (you just have to ask). We generally don’t even use needles to do these tests anymore, although there are exceptions in rare cases. Of course, we could always order a blood test that involves a needle to get similar information, but who likes needles?
In addition, we also perform breathing tests and patch tests (among others) that really don’t hurt whatsoever. top
What medications should I stop before the visit?
In general, the only medications that should be stopped 5 days before seeing the allergist are antihistamines. To help, here is a short list of common antihistamines: Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). There are a lot more antihistamines on the market that that, many of which are also in cough/cold remedies. Please feel free to call and ask if you’re unsure about your medications. Also, your neighborhood pharmacist should be able to help too. top
What kind of medications are prescribed at Bowtie Allergy Specialists?
These days when you go to see the doctor, you generally leave with a high-dose, systemic medication with a laundry list of side effects. Don’t believe us? Just listen to the medication ads on television!
When you leave with a prescription from Bowtie Allergy Specialists, you will leave with Dr. von Tiehl’s best possible solution to your complaint. This means that whenever possible it will be low-dose, “topical,” and come with the least and fewest side effects. On a personal note, Dr. von Tiehl doesn’t like to take medication either, but he does take it when it fixes the problem. top
What about allergy shots?
Allergy shots are the only thing out there that can potentially clinically cure you of allergies. Allergy shots work best in patients with more severe symptoms of allergies and asthma, and yet most patients don’t actually need them (especially if they are willing to take medications regularly). That said, a study has shown that allergy shots may be cost-effective in as little as 3 months! With allergies being a generally lifelong disorder, allergy shots can be an excellent investment (especially as they’re covered by almost all insurances). top
What about my privacy?
We abide by the rules set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (a.k.a. HIPAA). Please click the following link for our Notice of Privacy Practices top