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An allergy is the result of the interaction between your
immune system and an external stimulus (termed allergen).
These include dust mites, pets, pollen, foods, insects and
drugs. Symptoms can involve several organ systems with most
common being nose (congestion, runny nose, sneezing), eyes
(itchy, watery, red and swollen), lungs (asthma) and skin
(hives, rash, eczema). |
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We see patients with allergies (environmental, foods,
drugs, insect), asthma, sinus problems, hives, eczema and
other allergic skin conditions. |
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Allergies are diagnosed by history, physical exam and
allergy testing. This is done either by skin testing or
blood testing. Results of skin testing are available in a
few minutes and blood testing usually takes a few days. |
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Environmental allergens can be seasonal or year-round.
Common seasonal allergens are tree pollen (March-June),
grass pollen (May-July) and Ragweed (August-October).
Year-round allergens are usually indoors. These include
pets, dust mites, cockroach and molds. |
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Allergies have been shown to be associated with sinus
problems, asthma, eczema and hives among other conditions. |
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Allergy immunotherapy is one of the modalities of
treatment for allergies and asthma. It consists of a series
of injections given initially once or twice a week during
the build-up phase and once every 2-4 weeks during the
maintenance phase. It modifies the immune system so that it
is better able to deal with the allergens. It usually lasts
3-5 years. It has been proven to be effective for allergies,
allergic asthma and insect sting reactions but not for
foods. The injections are given under the skin
(subcutaneously).
Click here for more information regarding
allergy shots. Sublingual
(drops put under the tongue) immunotherapy is being studied. |
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After a history and physical examination, testing may
include skin prick testing for allergies and lung function
testing for asthma. Skin testing is a relatively painless,
faster and less expensive (than blood testing) procedure.
Blood tests may also be required depending on the situation.
The visit may last 1-2 hours. |
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Asthma is a inflammatory lung condition which is usually
reversible but can be irreversible in the later stages.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest
tightness and coughing. It can be triggered by multiple
stimuli including exercise, cold weather, allergies and
upper respiratory infections. |
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This is done by history, physical exam, and lung function
testing, also called spirometry. This is done in the office
or in an outpatient setting. |
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By a combination of
patient education,
environmental control for allergens, medications (antihistamines, nasal steroids,
steroid inhalers to name a few) and allergy shots or injections
(if you have allergies). |
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Yes. Estimated risk for a child with one parent with
allergies is 35-50% and is over 50% when both parents have
allergies. Similar risks are seen with asthma also. |
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The chances of a child outgrowing asthma are improved
when it is not allergen induced, if the child does not have
eczema and if there is no history of asthma in the parents. |
