Allergies - All About - Health Tips

Do you wake up stuffy every morning? Do you love cats but can’t have one because of allergies? Do you get itchy, watery eyes every time you’re around a dog? Do you have asthma and wonder if you might be allergic to the cat sleeping on your pillow?

On your first visit we can tell you if you are allergic to cats, dogs, and dust mites, all of which can contribute to year-round allergy and asthma symptoms.

On your first visit, which is typically 1 hour, we will do the following:

• Get a detailed history of your allergy symptoms
• Perform a physical exam looking for tell-tale signs of allergies

Complete an allergy skin test, looking for reactions to various pollens, grasses, weeds, molds, dust mites, dogs, cats, feathers, and more.

• Discuss a detailed plan of action to successfully manage your symptoms
• Send you home with medications that work

You don’t need to break up with your significant other just because they have a cat. You can visit your friends with dogs without being miserable. We can help you manage pet and dust mite allergies.

No one knows for certain why certain people are allergic to certain things while others are not.  We do know that allergies tend to run in families. If you have allergies, it’s very likely that at least one of your parents does too.  Exposure to allergens at times when the body’s immune system is weak, such as after an illness or during pregnancy, may also play a role in the development of allergies. Although allergies are most common in children, they can occur at any age. Sometimes allergies will go away, but they also can come back years later. 

In some cases, reactions can occur in several places throughout the body. Welts or hives may appear, spasm in the lungs may cause coughing or wheezing, the throat, and tongue may swell – even anaphylaxis may occur.

Allergy Control

Avoidance is the best defense against allergies. But if you are unable to avoid the bothersome allergens, medication may be taken to relieve symptoms. Medications may help relieve symptoms, but they do not alter the allergy immune response. If symptoms cannot be controlled by medication, allergy shots may be prescribed. Allergy shots can put your allergies into remission over time and are a good alternative for people who don’t want to take medicine regularly.

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions.

Seasonal Allergies

• Trees - March through May
• Grasses - Mid May through September
• Ragweed and Other Weeds - Mid August through October

Year Round Allergies

• Mites
• Dog/Cat
• Mold Spores - Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (Depending on How Cold)

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. Common allergens include pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, foods, medications, cockroach droppings, and insect stings/bites.

You may be allergic to one or more allergens. When an allergen is absorbed into the body of an allergic person, their body fights to rid itself of the allergen. The immune system initiates a defense which causes symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, itching, and sneezing.

Allergy (also known as immediate hypersensitivity) is defined as an "abnormal sensitivity to a substance which is normally tolerated and generally considered harmless." While all immune responses occur as a result of exposure to foreign substances, allergic reactions are distinct from the protective or enhanced "immunity" conferred by immunizations or natural infection. It is estimated that about 50 million American suffer from allergic disease of one form or another, and the incidence of these illnesses is increasing.

More than half of Americans suffer from allergies-over 50 million. They are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease, and cost the health care system $18 billion annually. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and range from sneezing, rashes, and hives to asthma and life-threatening anaphylaxis. The most common allergies are to pet dander, mold, pollen, insect bites, medications and foods, such as peanuts and wheat.

I treat my allergy patients in a way that is different—and more successful—than the standard allergy care. Though there is no cure, new technology exists for treating the symptoms of allergies.

No more shots!

Most people rely on medications to relieve their allergy symptoms rather than treating the source. Those who sign up for traditional injection immunotherapy to try to build up tolerance to allergens have to endure weekly shots at the doctor’s office. No wonder compliance is so low. One study found that only 1 percent of patients who signed up for allergy shots actually lasted more than three treatments.

I use allergy drops, (sublingual immunotherapy), a kinder, gentler, safer and more convenient form of immunotherapy. It can be used to treat most of the common allergies including hay fever, year round “indoor” allergies from dust or pet dander, skin allergies to soaps or latex, and insect allergies.

We test you in our NYC or LI office with one simple blood test to determine the cause of your allergy, and formulate the right prescription for your drops. We have seen successful results for our patients within weeks.