Who's doing your allergy testing? Are they qualified?

I just read an article in Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics website entitled "Deception and Fraud in Allergy Care"

I wondered 'WHAT are they talking about?' The article highlights the problem of  primary care doctor's offices who offer allergy testing and treatment. They hire a third party a "technician" who conducts the allergy testing and provides treatment. The problem is (according to the article) that the technicians may not be trained board certified allergists. There are guidelines that must be followed for testing and treatment.

Another problem listed in the article is that doctors may prescribe SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy) - where drops are placed under the tongue.The problem is that SLIT is NOT approved by the FDA. So, they may be billing your insurance company for something that is not approved. The article says that is fraud. 

Some people also may be sent home with allergy shots or drops. That is VERY dangerous because you can have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

This is what Webmd says about anaphylaxis:

"Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction. It's a medical emergency.

Most people with allergies never have anaphylaxis. But when it happens, it works like this:

Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that temporarily widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You may pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing."

 One of my sons had anaphylaxis after having allergy shots. I NEVER want to see that again as long as I live. It was so scary, he easily could have died. If we had been at home, he may have. Asthma Doc's nurse saved my son's life. She treated him and stayed with him to make sure he was stable and wasn't going to have a second reaction later. 

Do your research before you allow someone to treat your allergies (or your child's) with shots or drops. You want to make sure they know what they are doing....just in case you or your child experiences anaphylaxis. It's rare, but it can happen. And if it happens to you, you want someone trained and certified who can save your life! It's been 10 years, and I can still vividly remember the anaphylaxis. 

Thank you Asthma Doc and Shot Nurse for saving my son's life !!!!!!!

sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in which drops of the allergen are placed under the tongue. - See more at: http://www.aanma.org/2014/04/deception-and-fraud-in-allergy-care/?utm_source=April+E-News%3A+AADCH+Issue&utm_campaign=E-news+3+%28AADCH%29&utm_medium=email#sthash.W0KnYp2K.dpuf

sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in which drops of the allergen are placed under the tongue. - See more at: http://www.aanma.org/2014/04/deception-and-fraud-in-allergy-care/?utm_source=April+E-News%3A+AADCH+Issue&utm_campaign=E-news+3+%28AADCH%29&utm_medium=email#sthash.W0KnYp2K.dpuf