Allergy & Inflammation Care

Your immune system protects you from bacteria, infection and viruses. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a substance called an allergen. An allergen can be inhaled, swallowed or touched by the skin. An allergic reaction can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms include hives, facial swelling, throat discomfort, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and in severe cases loss of consciousness. 

Allergens are found in a variety of things you commonly come into contact with:

• Environmental substances such as pollen, animal dander and dust
• Foods
• Stinging insect venom
• Medications

The signs and severity of an allergic reaction can vary significantly. Symptoms include hives, facial swelling, throat discomfort, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and in severe cases loss of consciousness.  

When To Call 911

Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing.

Allergies are diagnosed by your doctor through a history, exam, and skin and/or blood allergy testing if indicated. If testing is indicated, then typically you will be asked to return for a follow up testing visit. Once allergies are identified, specific avoidance and treatment options can be recommended. 

In almost all cases, medication can treat allergies. Medications help correct your immune system from reacting to allergens.  

Identifying allergy triggers and making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for allergies. Over-the-counter and prescription medication can also help you manage your allergies. 

You may also have to work with ENT and pulmonary specialists to co-manage your conditions. 

Medications 

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can often be controlled with over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. Effective medications for allergic rhinitis include antihistamines and nasal sprays, which can be used alone or in combination.  

Allergy Injections 

What Are “Allergy Shots"? 

“Allergy shots” is the phrase commonly used for allergen immunotherapy treatment. Allergen immunotherapy is an effective desensitization program that can increase your immunity to substances called allergens, which trigger your symptoms. 

Allergen immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to a patient over several months. The injections are first given on a weekly or biweekly basis; eventually, when the maintenance level is reached, injections are given on a monthly basis. This process reduces symptoms that are otherwise triggered by allergen exposure. Immunotherapy treatment is the closest thing to a “cure” for allergic symptoms. 

How Do Allergy Shots Work? 

Allergen immunotherapy works like a vaccination. Through your body’s exposure to small, injected amounts of a particular allergen in gradually increasing doses, your body builds up immunity to the allergen(s) to which you are allergic. This means that when you encounter these allergens in the future, you will have a reduced allergic response and fewer symptoms. 

Allergy injections are considered when: 

• Allergy symptoms are moderate to severe 
• Symptoms occur throughout most of the year 
• Symptoms do not respond adequately to medications
• Symptoms are triggered by allergens not easily avoided, such as pollens or house dust mites 

Allergen immunotherapy is also used to treat some patients stinging insect allergies.  

Allergy shots can be very effective but require a long-term commitment, involving weekly visits for the first 6 months followed by monthly visits for at least 3-5 years. You must wait in our office for 30 minutes to ensure you do not have a reaction to the shot. These shots must be given in our office and cannot be administered at home or at another doctor’s office.  

Certain environmental factors can trigger and make your allergies worse. These include but are not limited to:  

• Dust Mites 
• Pollen 
• Pets 
• Mold Cockroaches 
• Other irritants including smoke, odors, or exhaust  

The best approach to limit reactions varies by allergen. For example, with dust mites, we recommend you put special dust-proof covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs and wash your bedding frequently. For mold, keep your bathrooms, kitchens, and basements clean and keep them well aired. You should also keep the humidity in your home between 30-50% humidity and keep a dehumidifier in place to dry the environment if your home is damp. For pollen, keep windows closed during pollen season, especially during the day and wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize the amount of pollen getting into your eyes. 

There are many strategies that you can employ. Please consult with your physician about specific triggers and they can share advice to help reduce responses.