Allergy Department

Sheila A. Horrigan, RN, BSN

Mrs. Horrigan graduated from Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Over the past 36 years, her nursing experience has varied from critical care and geriatrics, to staff and charge nurse positions on medical and surgical units at both Griffin and St. Mary's Hospitals.

She joined the professional staff at Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat, Sinus & Allergy Specialists in 1998, assuming the role of Allergy Nurse.  Her duties include performing all types of allergy testing and treatment in addition to providing education for the allergy sufferer.  Mrs. Horrigan is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA).

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Services Provided

Intradermal Skin Testing for Inhalant Allergy
Multiprick Skin Testing for Inhalant Allergy
Multiprick Skin Testing for Food Allergy
Immunotherapy Shots for Allergy Treatment
SLIT:  Sub Lingual Immuno Therapy (allergy drops)
Patch Testing For Chemical Sensitivity
Environmental Control

 

Allergy Injections

For patients age 7 and over, a series of injections are typically given for a 5 year period. Most patients receive shots weekly for the first 6 to 12 months; every 2 weeks for the second year; every 3 weeks for the third year, and then monthly thereafter.  Consistency is critical.

Most insurance companies cover injections and the medication vials, although co-pays may apply.  Please verify your insurance coverage prior to beginning treatment.

SLIT:  Sublingual Immunotherapy (allergy drops)

Allergy drops work very much like allergy shots, slowly desensitizing you to what causes your allergic reaction, but they are delivered under your tongue in a liquid form that can be safely  taken at home.  As with injection therapy, treatment is typically given for a 5 year period, which is important in ensuring long term benefits.  Drops are custom formulated based on the results of your allergy tests.

Because of their safety profile, allergy drops can be an option for all patients including young children.  Most insurance companies will pay for allergy testing and office visits, but not for the actual drops. Most patients agree that this temporary investment is well worth the improvement in their health, reduction in allergy related expenses (co-pays for other medications, missed work and school, and other related expenses) and overall quality of life.  Treatment is an expense that can be reimbursed through health savings accounts or flex spending plans.