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DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
An allergy and asthma specialist evaluates a patient by doing a thorough medical history, physical examination, nasal mucus analysis, blood tests, and skin testing. Breathing tests, also called pulmonary function tests or spirometry, help diagnose asthma. In our office, an allergy evaluation typically takes 3-5 hours.
Treating Allergies
1. Avoidance of allergens such as the pollens, pet danders, dust mites and molds.
2. Medications to reduce allergy symptoms and blunt harmful after effects of allergies.
3. Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) which are specially made for each person’s unique allergies.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy Immunotherapy is the technical term for allergy shots. Allergy shots make a person less allergic over time and may completely eliminate allergy symptoms. The shots are given in gradually higher doses over a period of several months with a maintenance dose continued for 3-5 years. You eventually become immune to the things you were previously allergic to, and your symptoms become much less severe or absent. Immunotherapy is especially helpful to those with asthma, and may prevent the onset of asthma in children. The treatment has an effect for at least 5-10 years after it is stopped and often for a much longer time.
An allergy and asthma specialist evaluates a patient by doing a thorough medical history, physical examination, nasal mucus analysis, blood tests, and skin testing. Breathing tests, also called pulmonary function tests or spirometry, help diagnose asthma. In our office, an allergy evaluation typically takes 3-5 hours.
Treating Allergies
1. Avoidance of allergens such as the pollens, pet danders, dust mites and molds.
2. Medications to reduce allergy symptoms and blunt harmful after effects of allergies.
3. Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) which are specially made for each person’s unique allergies.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy Immunotherapy is the technical term for allergy shots. Allergy shots make a person less allergic over time and may completely eliminate allergy symptoms. The shots are given in gradually higher doses over a period of several months with a maintenance dose continued for 3-5 years. You eventually become immune to the things you were previously allergic to, and your symptoms become much less severe or absent. Immunotherapy is especially helpful to those with asthma, and may prevent the onset of asthma in children. The treatment has an effect for at least 5-10 years after it is stopped and often for a much longer time.
Medications
The most effective medications to treat allergies include antihistamines, nasal steroids, and anti-leukotrienes. Antihistamines block histamine, the primary cause of allergic symptoms. Nasal steroids reduce inflammation (swelling) and congestion in the nose as well as itching and drainage. Anti-leukotrienes reduce airway obstruction, mucus production, and swelling of the airways.
A new medication called Xolair is available by injection in our office for patients with severe allergies and asthma who do not respond to other treatments.
The most effective medications to treat allergies include antihistamines, nasal steroids, and anti-leukotrienes. Antihistamines block histamine, the primary cause of allergic symptoms. Nasal steroids reduce inflammation (swelling) and congestion in the nose as well as itching and drainage. Anti-leukotrienes reduce airway obstruction, mucus production, and swelling of the airways.
A new medication called Xolair is available by injection in our office for patients with severe allergies and asthma who do not respond to other treatments.