Allergy Evaluation and Treatment

Allergy symptoms can include respiratory symptoms, such as  itchy eyes, nose, or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion or wheezing.  Skin symptoms may manifest as hives or generalized itchiness. When this is not enough, medications such as intranasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents can be used to suppress symptoms. When this fails, allergy shots are often helpful.

Generally, inhaled allergens such as dust mites, tree, grass or weed pollens will produce respiratory symptoms and ingested (food) allergies will produce skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms or anaphylaxis but both types of allergens (ingested and inhaled) can produce the spectrum of allergy symptoms.

Treatment for inhalant allergies begins with avoidance whenever possible( such as not exposing oneself to cat or dog dander if you react to them). The use of mattress and pillow casements to minimize dust and dust mite exposure during the night may also be beneficial. Using air conditioning early in the season to as late in the season as possible allows de-pollination of the house to further reduce exposure. When this is not enough , medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, intranasal steroid sprays and anti-inflammatory agents can be used to suppress symptoms. When this fails, allergy shots may also help.

 

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots contain small amounts of allergens. They are given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to the allergens and no longer overreacts to them.

Allergy shots are only used when the allergens you're sensitive to can be identified and when you can't avoid them. It takes several months to years, and you may need to resume treatments to replenish blocking antibodies in the future.